Born with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP), Kai’s muscle strength in his right arm and leg is significantly reduced. Through treatment at the Southern Tablelands and ACT branch of The Spastic Centre, Kai has been able to take on the snowfields at Thredbo again this season.

Mum Lyndal said “Kai started skiing some time ago because they try not to put kids on the snowboards when they are really young. With hemiplegia however, his ability to control the right ski was greatly reduced. So when Kai was only six, we convinced the organisers of the Milo Wombats program at Thredboland to let him have a go on a snowboard. Since then, he’s never looked back.”

Kai has even taken up snowboarding, a sport which his physiotherapist, Lyndsay Currie, said helped with his muscle strength and assisted with his balance and coordination.

Kai, who turns ten this month, attends a snowboarding program at Thredbo each Sunday but also takes on the slopes with his mum and younger brother, Dylan 8.

“It’s the only snow sport I can do and I feel great when I do it. I love learning new tricks. I can’t wait for more snow to fall; it’s going to be fun!” Kai said.

Kai attends Jindabyne Central School and is a regular client at The Spastic Centre. He plays soccer, rugby union, does bikeriding, waterskiing and snowboarding. For his tenth birthday later this month he will receive a mountain bike from his family to take on his next sporting venture.