Cormac Ryan joined the Humpty team for a week for work experience. We asked him a few questions about his relationship with Humpty and why he chose to work with us for the week.
Why did you want to do your work experience at the Humpty Dumpty Foundation?
I have great interest in how so many of [Humpty's] amazing Balmoral Burn events and other fundraisers were organised, promoted and planned. But with my previous involvement with Humpty, I was not fully aware of the extent of the incredibly successful charitable mission of the Foundation until I connected with the team and learnt so much. I thought it would be an awesome opportunity to learn more about marketing and how fundraising events are run and promoted. This week helped me gain immense appreciation for the hard work and effort displayed by Humpty.
How did you first get involved with the Humpty Dumpty Foundation?
I was first introduced to Humpty by wheelchair racing athlete Kurt Fearnley OAM, and also a recommendation from other para-athletes who advised me to take part in the Balmoral Burn. I was 5 years old when I competed in my first Burn and was lucky enough to meet Phil Kearns. It definitely sparked my interest in the sport of wheelchair racing, fundraising events, and the significance of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
How many times have you taken part in the Balmoral Burn?
My first Balmoral Burn took place in 2012 at the age of 5 when I was introduced to the sport of wheelchair racing. Kurt Fearnley and Louise Sauvage were eager to see me participate in competitions. I really enjoyed 'the Burn' as my first-ever competition in a racing wheelchair. Since then, I have completed 8 Burns.
Has the Burn opened up any opportunities for you?
[My first Balmoral Burn] was the event that helped me realise the amazing quality of the para-sporting community I had around me. I was lucky enough to complete the Balmoral Burn beside so many incredible athletes, which has led to long and meaningful relationships that I am fortunate to have. The Balmoral Burn sparked my interest and willingness to want to achieve in my sport. Also, with the amazing promotion of the event, 'the Burn' has given me the opportunity to become more comfortable speaking to an audience about my views and opinions on how disability is viewed in the media, etc.
Cormac Ryan (centre) with the Humpty team
Tell us about what team you are on and what you are training for.
I am currently a part of Bankstown Sports Club. But recently, I was fortunate to be selected for an Australian para-athletics team who competed in the 2022 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland. Next year, the season begins with the annual Wheelchair Sports 'Summer Down Under' (SDU) series, and my goal is to compete in more long-distance events on the road. I am currently training in preparation for the SDU series, and hope to be selected for more overseas events next year.
Anything else you would like to add?
Since I began competing in wheelchair racing, I have been hoping to eventually compete in a Paralympic Games and travel abroad with the amazing Australian para team. My goal is to always progress in sport, improve my times by training hard, and work together with my coaches. Being incredible Paralympic athletes themselves, they have always shown me how to be better, encouraged me, and fueled my love for wheelchair sports. This year was an opportunity to see how my coaches endure competition overseas. I would love to follow in their footsteps.