Left to right: David Smith MP, Barry Yesberg (Corena’s coach), CEO of Clubs ACT Gwyn Rees, CEO of the Vikings Group Anthony Hill and Corena Smith (front and centre). Photo: Supplied.
Corena Harrison of Chifley has become well known in Canberra and throughout Australia as an unwavering competitor in Boccia*.
Corena has returned from Dubai after competing and placing 9th in the Boccia International Sports Federation (BISF) 2019 Dubai Boccia Regional Open.
Having competed in Boccia for over a decade, Corena has achieved a lot. She has been representing Australia on the world stage since 2007 and has won countless medals as an individual and team competitor.
In 2016 at the National titles Corena won a Gold medal both in her class and as captain of the Australian team. Most recently Corena has been selected for the emerging Tokyo 2020 Paralympic team.
ACT Clubs and the Vikings Group have supported Corena to represent Australia in the Boccia International Sports Federation (BISF) 2019 Dubai Boccia Regional Open. Chief Executive of Clubs ACT Gwyn Rees and CEO of the Vikings Group Anthony Hill attended the pre-trip get together in the office of the Member for Bean, David Smith, to wish Corena well in the competition and learn some tips from the champion player.
Corena showed off her skills (and the innovative use of a muffin tin).
Mr Rees said Clubs ACT were delighted to support Corena on her Journey to Dubai to represent Australia at the Boccia Regional Open.
ACT Clubs and the Viking Group are well-known for their generosity and support for local sporting heroes.
“All of our clubs play an important role in supporting our community groups and members, and this is just one example,” Mr Rees said.
“Vikings Group is a firm believer in supporting our community, it is what we have done for 40 years now. Corena is a Tuggeranong local and we are so happy we were able to provide the support she needed to help get her to Dubai,” CEO of the Vikings Group Anthony Hill said.
Aside from being a champion of the sport, Corena and her coach Barry Yesberg have become well known in the sporting community for the genius innovation of using a muffin baking tin attached to her wheelchair to hold her six balls as she lines up for her winning throws.
Barry has commended Corena as a champion of the sport and said that what really sets her apart as a competitor is her boundless enthusiasm.
Corena enjoyed the trip and seeing Dubai, even more so, she thrived competing. She was thankful for the support she’s received from Clubs ACT and the Vikings Group and from Elite Physio in Deakin in the lead up to this event, and her coach Barry with whom she’s worked closely for many years.
*Boccia is a ball game similar lawn bowls and bocce, which can be played by people with disabilities. Some of the sports competitors have cerebral palsy or others disabilities such as muscular dystrophy.
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