LAKE Cathie local Rodney Nugent has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s new look Port Macquarie White Pages and Yellow Pages, which started distribution last week.
Rodney has been selected under the theme, Inspiring Others to Achieve, which recognises the unsung heroes who selflessly help others achieve goals and are an inspiration to their local community.
At the age of 15, Rodney lost the lower part of his right arm in a tragic work accident.
After doctors told him he would never play sport again, Rodney was determined to prove them wrong and started training himself in athletics.
After months of training, Rodney entered local athletics competitions. He was a natural talent, winning a number of events and steadily rising to state and national competitions. He was soon selected to represent Australia and participated in two Paralympic Games, securing five gold and three bronze medals.
In 2009, he became a volunteer coach for Special Olympics Australia to support other young athletes with disability.
He has overseen the training of athletes across Australia, but he is most proud of his efforts locally, having successfully mentored two Port Macquarie athletes to state and national long jump titles.
“I didn’t have much support when I was starting my sporting career, so being able to coach and mentor these young athletes has been such a rewarding experience. It’s an amazing feeling to see your students achieve such great results,” Rodney said.
