Gisborne’s Tate Kemp is inspiring the Macedon Ranges on and off the footy field.
The 23-year-old who has cerebral palsy, said he always wanted to be part of the game, so when an opportunity came up with new club the Gisborne Giants he took it.
Kemp is the timekeeper for the Giants, and loves attending games every single week.
“I love the new oval and the new club, and meeting new people,” he said.
Gisborne Giants senior football captain Brad Mangan said it was great to have Tate as part of the team.
“Last year was our first year in a senior program. The club’s been around since 2016 in the junior space in the RDFNL. But this is our first year in the senior program,” he said.
“Tate joined us in that journey, and it was great to have Tate. Tate’s our timekeeper, he’s there every week doing the timekeeping so is at every training. Tate’s a great part of the club and the boys love him.”
Kemp has also spent time volunteering for the local cricket club, as well as with the Gisborne Bulldogs where he helped score, but being able to the timekeeper was the job he coveted.
He also runs his own business, All Abilities Public Speaking, in which he talks at schools, footy clubs and workplaces across Melbourne about disabilities, diversity and inclusion, through his lived experience.
“I’ve done about 40 schools in the (Macedon Ranges),” he said.
His heart will always be out on the footy field, and Kemp said he was grateful to the Gisborne Giants for the opportunities they have given him.
“I feel like the Giants have really helped me and I have really helped them.”
Details: https://www.allabilitiesps.com.au/
