By XAVIER SMERDON
A WYNDHAM Vale youngster is getting ready to take on the world in a very unique sport.
Twelve year-old Phillip Ager recently qualified for the World Sport Stacking Championships and in April he will travel to South Korea with his parents in a bid to bring home a medal for his country.
Sport Stacking is a sport that was created in California in the 80s and involves creating different sized pyramids out of specially designed plastic cups and then unstacking them in the fastest time possible.
Phillip only got involved in the sport two years ago and since then he has ascended all the way to the national team, the Stackaroos.
“It took me about six months to get the hang of it,” Phillip said.
“In the beginning I liked seeing how fast people could do it and then I thought maybe I could do it faster than them.”
What makes Phillip’s achievements even more amazing is the fact that he has autism.
The Stackaroo’s coach, Ty Hallam, told Star he expected Phillip’s relay team to pick up a medal at the world championships, but they would have to watch out for the dominating forces of the USA and Germany.
Mr Hallam said Phillip was an inspiration to other Sport Stackers.
“That’s the beauty of this sport, his autism doesn’t affect how he performs and he has been picked on merit,” Mr Hallam said.
“When he first started he was very raw but he’s raised his level considerably.
“His autism is a secondary thing for him.”
The Manor Lakes P-12 student said he was excited when he found out he would be representing Australia.
“I was like, ‘oh I’m going to be famous’,” he said.
“I practice every day. I like the hand actions and the fact that you have to use your hands, eyes and mind.”
For more information on Sport Stacking visit www.speedstacks.com.au
