OUR FEARLESS FILM STARS PROVE THAT ANYONE CAN BE FEARLESS, REGARDLESS OF AGE OR ABILITY. BOLD, DARING, AND EXTRAORDINARY, THESE PEOPLE SMASH ALL DISABILITY STEREOTYPES. THEIR FILMS ASPIRE TO CHALLENGE TRADITIONAL VIEWS AROUND THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY. 

Sam is 20 years old, and he is passionate about sport and fitness. Sam was born with Down syndrome but doesn’t let his disability define him. He doesn’t like to sit still much and is always training for fitness competitions to challenge himself. 

Even a global pandemic cannot stop Sam – he continues to train online with personal trainer Jodi. He loves dancing, surfing, zip lining, soccer, swimming, athletics, triathlons and AFL.

Read his Q&A below:

Describe yourself in 5 words:

1. Enthusiastic
2. High self esteem
3. Fit
4. Social
5. Handsome!

How would your family or friends describe you?

Legend. Not all heroes wear a cape. Happy. Passionate about sport. Giving. Confident. Empathetic. Funny. Caring. Generous. Optimistic. Exuberant. Loves life. Loud. Positive. Good company. Friend.

What makes you unique?

I have a go at everything beyond other people’s expectations. I love my life.

What do you really love doing?

Playing AFL. Socialising. Music. Dancing. Watching AFL and NRL. Riding my bike and being more independent.

What makes you the happiest?

When I can have a laugh with my family and friends. And when Richmond wins!

What upsets you?

Seeing other people upset or cranky.

When was the last time you cried?

At funerals. Seeing so many other people cry - I absorb other people’s emotions. Losing my Grandfather and our dog Bella were hard.

What would you say are your strengths?

My muscles (my guns)! My sense of humour. I make other people feel good about themselves.

What would you say are your weaknesses?

I don’t like writing. Sometimes my language is a bit unclear and some people don’t expect to understand me.

What is your greatest dream in life?

To have a girlfriend and fall in love.

What are the top three things you want to achieve in life?

1. Play for Australia
2. Be an actor (on Home & Away)
3. Move out of home
4. Get married and have kids (oops that was 4!)

What is important to you in life?

My family. My dog Daisy. Sport, AFL and NRL. My mates.

What are you most proud of?

Having a good job at the bakery. Being an amazing coach in AFL.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

Getting fit and I’m a big eater so losing weight too.

How do you feel about having a disability?

I feel good about Down syndrome because I’m kind and I’m funny and I’m a clown!

How would you describe your disability and how it impacts you to someone who doesn’t know anything about it?

I was born with Down syndrome. This means it’s sometimes hard for me to understand lots of talking and sometimes people don’t understand me. It takes me longer to learn things.

What is the hardest thing about having a disability?

I can’t drive a car.