Teenager Devlin Dodds applied to the John Maclean Foundation for funding to purchase a new sports wheelchair so he could continue with his passion for playing competitive basketball.

After outgrowing his previous wheelchair and trying to make do with a senior chair too heavy for his size which left him both fatigued and frustrated, 13-year-old Devlin received $8335 from JMF to allow him to continue competing in wheelchair basketball competitions in his home town of Townsville, north Queensland.

In 2013 when Devlin was just six he was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in his right heel resulting in the amputation of his leg below the knee.  Two years ago he became involved with the junior wheelchair basketball programme in Townsville.

Devlin’s application was supported by the Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association, Queensland’s body for people with physical disability and/or vision impairment.  Established in 1977, Sporting Wheelies is a not-for-profit organisation with the sole purpose of enhancing the lives of people with a disability through community engagement, education, sport and healthy activity.  Regional Development Officer Donna James said Devlin “shows unrelenting enthusiasm and aspirations to be a top competitive player.”

JMF is delighted to be able to help Devlin on his journey to achieving his dreams.