10-year-old Tara, one of our newest Variety Heart Scholarship Recipients, is quickly becoming a rising star in the Paralympic world. Tara was born with Achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, and a repaired atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). Despite these challenges, Tara is a talented athlete who has worked hard to hone her skills and achieve great success in swimming and a range of other sports. Tara’s Variety Heart Scholarship will provide her family with financial support to help Tara unleash her full potential.

Tara’s talent and dedication earned her title as the face of the Paralympics Australia. At the Paralympics Multi-Sport Day she had the opportunity to meet many Paralympians and even got to hold a gold medal! This was a very special and inspirational day that inspired her to pursue a Paralympic medal herself. The first comment Tara made to her Mum when she got to hold the medal was “I want one of those.”

Tara’s passion and dedication to her training certainly puts her well on track to achieving her goal. Winning first place in multiple swimming events qualified her to compete in the School Sport Regional Championships, where she went on to impress even further. She achieved first place in all events and achieved 3 Queensland records!

Pictured above: Tara winning multiple 1st place ribbons at School Sport Regional Championships.

Tara’s next goal is to qualify for Nationals. Despite recently facing various medical issues, Tara remains focused on her training and is striving toward making this happen. Tara has proven time and time again that nothing can stop her from smashing goals, and her positive attitude and infectious smile are an inspiration to us all.

With the support of the Variety Heart Scholarship, she has the resources she needs to excel at her full potential. We are so proud of her for seizing every opportunity and setting ambitious goals. This is just the beginning of her journey, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.