IPSWICH Senior Sportsperson of the Year Isabella ‘Bella’ Parisi was grateful for her family and her ponies on their farm at Calvert.
However, it was Bella’s inspirational efforts that guests at the latest Ipswich Sports Award function appreciated most.
Bella, 23, has dealt with severe physical and intellectual disabilities after being born with trachea oesophageal fistula.
She spent the first year of her life in and out of hospital before later discovering equestrian as a way to tackle her mental fears and display her incredible commitment.
Bella was the only member of this year’s Australian Special Olympics team squad to win two gold medals in Berlin.
She showed through her Dressage, English Equitation and Working Trails competition how sport can bring out the best in a person facing major challenges.
Bella has also won three gold medals at state titles, and two gold medals and a silver at the Special Olympics Nationals in Tamworth.
On receiving her Ipswich award, a jubilant Bella was eager to thank those who supported her and her ponies.
Asked later about how equestrian helps her and what it was like to represent Australia, she answered: “Wow, it’s amazing’’.
Bella has enjoyed the benefits of equestrian for five years.
Bella’s proud parents Stuart and Emma shared in the award with immense pride and satisfaction.
“It’s a wonderful honour, especially competing in this category against able-bodied people,” Emma said.
Stuart was equally delighted.
“We’re definitely 100 percent behind her and making sure that when she’s ready for her events, that it is seamless from when she gets on that horse,” Stuart said.
Stuart and Emma own a real estate agency in Rosewood.
However, it’s on the Calvert farm with horses and cattle that Bella thrives.
Bella cares for her horses seven days a week, preparing them for training and competition.
Bella also travels to Jimboomba twice a week to work with coach Gary Lund, who is the Equestrian Australia Paralympic selector.
“He’s amazing,” Emma said.
The family settled in Queensland after originally living in Canberra.
Their latest location helps Bella with her training and equestrian development.
“We were looking around Toowoomba and we couldn’t find anywhere … Calvert is beautiful,” Emma said.
“It’s close just to figure out what you need – you’re not too far out.”
Emma was thrilled about how Bella competes in local able-bodied events as well as the competition opportunities for intellectually impaired sportspeople.
“It’s becoming bigger in Australia so that’s what she can focus on next year and also compete in a lot of able-body ones that she wants to get into,” Emma said.
“It never stops.”
But after seeing the sheer joy Bella experienced as an Ipswich sport star, Emma and Stuart know it’s all worthwhile.
