General News
24 August, 2024
Vanuatu's first female Paralympian, Stawell's Elie Enock, to lead at Paris
Stawell's Elie Enock to bear Vanuatu's flag at Paralympics 2024.
Stawell
Paralympics
Stawell's Elie Enock has overcome immense challenges in life, and now she is set to lead her native country, Vanuatu, on the world stage.
The shot-putter will proudly bear the flag for Vanuatu at the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics in Paris on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, making history as the first female athlete from her country to compete in the Paralympics.
"I'm so excited to be the flag bearer and to represent my country," she said.
Her journey to this moment is nothing short of remarkable.
In 2009, a life-changing car accident took her leg and nearly claimed her life.
"After the accident, when they had to amputate my leg, I just stayed home doing nothing," she said.
"I thought being a person with a disability was the end of my life."
However, a chance encounter with Rainbow Disability Theatre encouraged her out of the house and started her on a pathway to become a disability advocate, actor and now, Olympian.
"From that time, I realised that being a person with disability, you still have access to every opportunity to enjoy your life," she said.
Her outlook on life is now "to not limit your challenge but challenge your limits".
The Olympian came to Australia in 2023 through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme and is one of 40 employees from Vanuatu at Thomas Foods International in Stawell.
She has made significant sacrifices to provide a better life for her family, including being separated from her 10-year-old son, who remains in Vanuatu with her mother.
"I wanted to come here and have a go," she said.
"Many people in Vanuatu are afraid to go out and try different things, but I wanted to show people with a disability that you don't have to look at that disability, you should look at your ability and what you can do."
Her arrival in Australia didn't mean the end of her athletic career.
Instead, TFI Stawell operations manager Shane Wittmann and South West TAFE Meat Training Australia teacher Mick McCartney have supported her shot-put training, even building a training arena onsite and arranging coaching and gym access.
Mr Wittmann, who will be in Paris to support her, said the whole company was behind Ellie.
"Elie has always been backed by a loving and supportive family," he said.
"We are proud that TFI is now a part of that."
Mr McCartney enjoyed helping on her working career and sporting prowess
"Elie's determination to succeed is a real credit to her," he said.
"We wish her all the best on her Olympic journey."
The Olympian expressed her gratitude to both organisations.
"Shane and Mick have been great help and I'm, really looking forward to it," she said.
TFI committed to supplying beef and lamb to fuel the Australian swim team.