Sky is not the limit for high-flying Heath
Living with autism has not stopped Daisy Hill 10-year-old Heath Lehr from soaring high towards his dreams. Literally.
In August, the youngster will contest the national indoor skydiving championships in Penrith, New South Wales, after taking up the sport just over 3 years ago.
He will compete in the youngest age group available – under 18. There’s also no disability category.
Indoor skydiving, popularised by iFLY centres around Australia,involves mimicking skydiving insidea large wind tunnel.
‘I love flying as I feel free and get to go high and do tricks,’ Heath says.
‘My coaches are all like big brothers and uncles and they look after me.’
Heath’s mum Brooke says taking up the sport is a ‘massive achievement’ for her son, whose autistic sensory profile requires special needs to help regulate his emotional stability.
‘The pressure from the wind helps to regulate and soothe his body, mind and emotions,’ Brooke says.
Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russell says Heath is a winner before the nationals even begin.
‘To be brave enough to get into the wind tunnel is tough for anyone, let alone a 10-year-old with a disability,’ Cr Russell says.
‘I am sure everyone in Division 3 joins me in wishing Heath all the best, not just for the nationals, but also for his bright future ahead.’
Heath already has that mapped out.
‘I want to be an instructor for indoor and outdoor skydives,’ he says.
PHOTO AT TOP: Daisy Hill youngster Heath Lehr in action inside the indoor skydiving wind tunnel.
PHOTO ABOVE: Cr Mindy Russell (left) with Heath Lehr and his mum Brooke.
