What does Physie and the Tokyo Paralympics have in common? Laura White!

Laura White is an Intermediate Ladies member of North Ryde Physie. She discovered Physie through family and friends’ recommendations in 2018 and quickly developed a great enthusiasm for Physie, participating in teams, Champion Lady and welcoming new ladies class members and organising social events. She has also motivated class members to keep practicing, organising zoom catch ups and practices in the park.

But Laura also has another amazing talent: she has been a passionate volunteer with PaddleVIC & PaddleAustralia since she was a teenager and more recently with PaddleNSW where she led the Sprint Race committee for 8 years.

Laura is a technical official, and as a reward for her hard work over the years has been appointed to officiate at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

“I’m absolutely stoked that I’ve been appointed for Tokyo – it’s a dream come true for me. There’s so few of us that get to make it, and it’s appointed by the International Canoe Federation. It’s a real honour and I’m very humbled to be representing Australia and Oceania in Tokyo,” she said.

There’s also not much Laura can’t do: from helping out younger family members with Duke of Edinburgh achievements, to Oxfam Trail walks and supporting others in their Physie prep and Interclubs even before she started Physie herself, Laura is selfless and giving. Which is why this recognition as a hardworking volunteer is even more special.

Laura flies out very soon to oversee judging as the first all- Oceania and second ever all- female paddle judging crew for an Olympics. In a sport dominated by Europe, this is an amazing testament to Laura’s professionalism, skill and dedication.

Her family, friends and Ladies class are all super proud of her and can’t wait to watch the Tokyo Paralympics!