By NICOLE VALICEK
JAKE Ballestrino is like any other 21-year-old boy in every way except he has an upper limb deficiency.
Despite the condition, which means he has wrists, shoulders, and some fingers on each hand, he has his sights set on competing at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
He plays for the Laverton Magpies Football Club and softball for the Pirates in Werribee, but he’s most at ease with a table tennis bat. Jake has been selected to compete at the Paralympic Table Tennis Tournament to be held in Thailand in August.
The Seabrook resident said his love of table tennis started with his dad who played competitively 20 odd years ago.
It was also his suggestion that they play together at the Werribee Table Tennis Association.
“I do like the fact I can play in the same team as my dad. As well as being competitive at the local competition level it’s very friendly as well,” he said.
To be eligible to play at the tournament in Thailand players need to qualify for the Victoria team, which Jake was inducted into on 1 July this year.
Jake caught the eye of Australian Paralympic Table Tennis head coach when he won gold during a doubles competition at the Australian Athletes with a Disability Tournament.
“(I want to) go over to Thailand do my absolute best, play against their best and see where I need to be better… my end game is to qualify for Rio.”
The modest sportsman said he doesn’t set out to be a role model for others, but does get told if he can do it anyone can.
“The best thing is give it a go and if you enjoy it keep at it and you never know where it might lead you.”
He said he wouldn’t be where he is today without his long-time coach Peter Rixon.
