Ambassadors
AAA Play are thrilled to have the support and voices of a diverse and passionate group of Ambassadors.
All of our Ambassadors donate their time to champion the Access for All Abilities program.
Andre Ascui
Andre has always had a keen interest in sports and was involved in junior football and cricket as well as swimming from a young age. He found his niche in swimming and participated in squad and competition in S14 Multiclass for a number of years despite some long breaks due to a persistent shoulder injury.
In late 2015 Andre discovered Inclusive Sports Training and under the guidance and support of coach Liz Gosper went on to complete his first triathlon, where he was awarded 2015 Multiclass State Open Champion. This was an amazing experience and opened a new world of sport and friendships.
His success and enjoyment inspired his sister Tash to begin triathlon training and together they completed Hawthorn Triathlon Club’s try a tri program. With the encouragement of Tash, Liz (IST) and Hawthorn Tri Club, Andre participated in both the Active Tri Sprint Distance Triathlon and the Martha Cove Olyfest Sprint triathlon with the support of a buddy alongside him. After such wonderful and positive experiences he had the confidence to compete by himself in the Multi Class category for Race 5 of the Gatorade Triathlon Series.
Andre’s efforts and commitment to improve resulted in him receiving the ‘Most Inspiring Athlete’ award from Triathlon Victoria in May 2016. This was a very significant award for him as it gave him the belief and confidence in his sporting abilities.
Alongside his IST mates Andre is currently participating in Triathlon Victoria’s Duathlon Series, multiclass category. He is a member of both the Hawthorn Tri Club, Inclusive Sports Training and an active member of Evado Studios gym.
As well as working part time, Andre helps out at Cycle Collective spin room, where he has had the opportunity to work out with the Victorian Bushrangers cricket team. He also buddies Liz Gosper with swim training and loves the role of mentoring.
His current focus is triathlons and he trains every week on his road bike, in the spin room, at running group and in swim squad.
Andre is very proud to be given the opportunity to be a AAA ambassador and is keen to share his experiences in sport to motivate and encourage others to participate in sporting programs. Participating in sport not only increases health and fitness but also develops friendships and can open up a whole range of life opportunities.
Chelsea Haag Witherden
Chelsea sporting career began with dance at age 5 in her Primary School years. She moved to Ashwood School in 2013 and began to take advantage of the extensive school sporting program.
Chelsea loves to take advantage of any sport opportunity available. Her skills have been developed in the Physical Education program and Chelsea has represented the school in many team sports including Basketball, Netball and Soccer. Ashwood School is actively involved in the School Sport Victoria pathway. Chelsea has represented Ashwood at Regional and State levels in Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics with great success.
Outside school Chelsea continues with her dance classes. She has also joined Inclusive Sports Training swimming group after school and the Melbourne Inner East Special Olympics Swimming group.
On the weekends Chelsea has participated in Triathlon Victoria Triathlons and Duathlons. She has claimed runner up State Champion in the State Multiclass Duathlon Intermediate division.
Chelsea always displays, enthusiasm, great sportsmanship and keeps improving her skill level. Fun, fitness and friendship have been great outcomes for her with students in and out of school.
Georgia Powning
Georgia Powning, is 23yo and has an intellectual impairment disability. Her main sport(s) she participates in includes Athletics (400m,800m,1500m) track cycling, road cycling, Triathlon. Georgia enjoyed the Half Marathon in Portugal. She represented Australia and won the women’s team Gold Medal! Her first gold medal for Australia! Georgia is part of Inclusive Sports Training (IST) and Old Xaverian’s Athletics clubs and is a keen Collingwood football fan.
When asked about her favourite pet/animal she said she loved her two dogs, Maggie-Pie and Luna. Luna is a West highland terrier and she loves watching wild animal videos on You-tube. It’s Hilarious watching her try to catch the squirrels!
Abbey Caldwell is one of her favourite athletes. She said she is an amazing runner and a really nice person. She always makes time to say hello when we are at the same Athletics meet.
One of the main reasons for wanting to become a AAA Play Ambassador is because loves to encourage more people to get involved in sport and a healthy lifestyle. You can have fun and feel good! Georgia's top Goals for 2023 in sport is to improve her running times and to make the Paralympic team for T20 in the 1500m event. In her role as a AAA Play Ambassador is to spread the word about how good it is to get fit and make some friends.
Tony Langdon
“Passionate” barely describes Tony.
Tony’s intense pursuit of sporting excellence caught our attention as a regular supporter of AAA Play on our social media channels. From track and field, to football and gymnastics he has developed his confidence, aptitude and love for sport from a young age, and has no plans on stopping anytime soon.
Just keeping fit and active has changed Tony’s life, and he has pursued his passion with vigor, building his abilities to a high level of skill that has seen him win a number of medals at various track and field competitions. Sport makes Tony feel comfortable in his own skin, and he plans to pursue his goals by training regularly, with more wins and medals on the horizon!