After 13 years being part of the Gliders Lisa believes there is a huge amount of talent in the current squad. Standouts including Cobi Crispin whose knowledge and skills is world class, while Clare Burzynski is enormously talented and reads the game like a book. Patiently waiting on the sidelines are Amber Merritt and Leanne Del Toso very worthy of the green and gold strip.

 

Sydney 2000 was an amazing experience, to be part of that history is a lifelong memory.  I feel blessed and proud to have shared it with my team mates and entourage of family who flew out from London. With this memory intact the thoughts of returning to the Gliders appear and to be apart of the London Paralympics 2012 does give me itchy feet.

 

Watching the Gliders at the 2004 and 2008 Paralympics was surreal, I felt like a backseat coach! It was a huge buzz to support the girls and see them win Silver.  However it is a huge achievement to win any medal at that standard of competition and it should be recognised and be proud of.

 

Continued passion for the game keeps Lisa playing, but the real rewards come from seeing future Gliders making their mark. I also just love to see retired Gliders playing league, not only does it add some history to the game but helps to keep the wheel turning. There is also social motivation for me, I love catching up with the girls, which makes it all worthwhile!

 

Such as Amanda Carter’s return to the game, as she has given so much to the sport and was a key player in her time. With the ability and desire to compete again at this level the commitment she has shown is fantastic. I wish Amanda all the very best of luck.