GUEST SPEAKER:       In his unique lay-back style Matthew Ward spoke of his journey of acheivement in Paralympic Swimming illustrating his efforts with a video … he apologised for the poor audio of the video, however, as a ‘quiet acheiver’ Matt has accomplished more than your average young guy …  he swims in the Multiclass due to a hip disability and commenced swimming three years ago as  exercise for his condition. Matt’s week involves a rigorous training schedule, competing in numerous short course competitions, championships, olympic trials … all the time supported by a netwok of close family and friends. Matt’s specialty is Breast Stroke and in this area he has broken 8 NSW records in total … he has also broken an Australian Open record for the 200 metres Butterfly and made it to the CHS Nationals last year, in Sydney, where he again, broke 2 National Records … he was there again this year. Matt was also a finalist in the recent ‘Young Sports Achiever Award’. He hopes to be able to participate in the Australian Short Course Championships, in September in Perth, for which he has qualified. He has many goals over the coming four years, his main being the Paralympics in Rio. In addition, the Australian Paralympic coach has recently been in touch with Matthew’s coach and suggested that he will possibly be selected into the Australian Junior Team for the Arafura Games, in Darwin, in early 2013. At these games, he will receive his International classification, which may be the beginning of his swimming in international competitions. In 2014 the Commonwealth games, in Scotland, are also on Matthew’s sporting radar. Matt’s mum, Sally, mentioned in her follow-up address, that Matt is indeed a quiet achiever and works hard at all his endeavours, does well in school and also loves music.  In 2011 he received a scholarship from the conservatorium for piano and during this year he was in the Conservatorium Orchestra. He has eased up his involvement with the orchestra this year because of the demands of swimming. At the conclusion of his address Matt was presented with a cheque from Albury Hume.