Zac’s

Game Plan

Story by Ewan Fowles
Illustrated by Lindsey Fowles

Carers WA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia
and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay
our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

Acknowledgements:

Illustrations by:
Lindsey Fowles

For helping to write the book:
Courtney Staples

Copyright © Carers Association of Western Australia Incorporated

ISBN: 978-1-922409-32-4 (eBook edition)
Published by Vivid Publishing
P.O. Box 948, Fremantle Western Australia 6959
www.vividpublishing.com.au

eBook conversion and distribution by Fontaine Publishing Group, Australia
www.fontaine.com.au

Version 1.0. All rights reserved.

Contents:

Introducing the author

“Zac’s game plan”

Games page

4

My name is Ewan. I’m 20 years old. I was born with CP also
known as cerebral palsy.

CP is a disability that means I spend the majority of my
time in a wheelchair. Because of this, I have found that I
am stared at and scrutinised a lot by the public for looking
a little bit different.

I have the same ideas and thoughts as most others my
age. I enjoy watching football, going out with friends
and listening to music. I have the same interests and
conversations as everyone else, and I’m tired of being
treated differently just because of my disability.

I have started a company called ‘Ewaneye Presentations’.
My aim is to educate school children of all ages about
different disabilities, and how they can help to make those
individuals lives a little easier. I believe in a ‘don’t walk
away, come say hey’ approach. I hope to bridge the social
gap between those with disabilities and those without.

When I was asked to write this book for Carers WA, I
jumped at the opportunity. It has meant that I’m not only
able to share my voice and passion, but also share my first
hand experience.

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I have writing it!

The game of life is a lot like football.
You have to tackle your problems, block
your fears and score your points when you
get the opportunity.

Lewis Grizzard

5

This book is about
a young boy who
was born with CP.

His name is Zac.

Zac enjoys all things outdoors.
In particular, football! Zac’s dream
is to become an AFL superstar for
the Fremantle Dockers!

Zac is not afraid to speak
his mind and stand up for what he
believes in. Although with Zac’s
disability, there are some struggles
to make his dreams come true,
that doesn’t stop this enthusiastic,
strong willed young man!

6

Zac’s bestie is called Charlie. They have
been best friends since they were babies.
There is nothing these two boys can’t
do if they put their minds to it.

Zac and Charlie’s school offer a football program.
This year they are finally old enough to try out for
the team! But.. if only it was that easy…

7

“Today is the day!” Charlie smiled, jumping up and down.

Zac was nervous, but not because he couldn’t do it.
He knew everything you could possibly know about
football. It was because he always had a hard time
from a few bullies in the team.

That wouldn’t stop him from becoming the superstar he
always wanted to be! Zac may look different and have to
rely on his wheelchair to get around, but that shouldn’t
mean he can’t be like everyone else.

8

“To your places”, Coach John called out.

Wheeling out onto the field, Zac suddenly
stopped. Sam the biggest bully and Sam’s
friends were calling out, pointing and
laughing at him.

They taunted him saying
“You have no reason to be anywhere
near the football field.”

“Come on Zac, you can do this!”
cheered Charlie.

He is a good
friend.

9

Everyone was looking at Zac, waiting for his reaction.
Zac wasn’t going to give them one. He was going to be
the bigger person and show every single one of them
their words don’t hurt.

“Coach John, while the rest of
the team do laps, can I show
you some strategies I’ve seen
that might improve my team
mate’s performance?”

10

Zac was so passionate for football. You could see it
all over his face each time he talked about it.

Coach John was shocked. The more Zac spoke and gave
his opinion about which player should go where,
what kids would make the best midfielders,
who would do well as a ruckman, and the
best fit for a forward because of the
force of his kick, the more Coach John
saw just how knowledgeable Zac was
about footy than he had a thought.

11

“That’s AMAZING kid. You have a real talent
and understanding for this game. More than
most people I know, let alone for your age!

I know you wanted to play for the team,
I don’t doubt your abilities but, have
you ever thought about being on
this side of the field helping to coach?”
Coach John said with a cheer in
his voice while handing over
a coach jersey to Zac.

12

Zac didn’t know what to say.
He had never thought about
assisting the coach.

Would he be any good at it?

Only time would tell…..

13

Two weeks later, with two wins under their
belt it was the perfect start to the new season.
The team couldn’t be doing any better.

Zac felt amazing after each game, helping coach
the team and being a part of something special,
really gave him a new outlook on life.

The respect he gained from each and every
player made him truly happy, he was a part
of a team. He was one of them.

He didn’t stand out because he had
challenges. He was treated the way
every person with a disability should be.

He felt just like everyone else.

14

After the second game of the season, Sam walked up to
Zac. ‘Here we go again,’ thought Zac. It’s not like Sam had
had anything nice to say to him in the two years they
had known each other.

Sam exclaimed, “I’m sorry I was mean and
nasty to you. I feel terrible about all the
things I’ve said in the past. Can you please
forgive me? I guess because you looked
different, you were an easy target for me.

Again, I’m so sorry I can see now
that you are just as much the
same as all of us. I will never judge
another person so quickly again.”

15

With that being said, Zac looked at Sam.

“Thank you Sam, I forgive you. We may all look different
on the outside but it’s what is on the inside that counts
and if you ask me, it all looks the same.”

16

(Disclaimer: Age restrictions. Can be potential choking hazards)

HELPING HANDS CHALLENGE

FULL MOUTH CHALLENGE

This game reflects the struggles that some people have when they
have no control of their arms and or legs.

Requires:

• Water Jugs

• Plastic Cups

Instructions:

• In pairs, sitting at table, each person takes turns putting their
arms under the armpits of their partner and pouring them a glass
of water, then giving the ‘arm-less’ partner the drink of water.

This game relates to the people who struggle to be able to
communicate using their voices and who also may have trouble
chewing their food.

Requires:

• Marshmallows/soft lollies — please keep in mind allergies or
intolerances

• Flash Cards (make your own and use a piece of paper)

Instructions:

• In pairs, each person takes turns putting a marshmallow in their
mouth and reading a statement off the flash cards, whilst the
other partner tries to guess what they’re saying. Each person has
30 seconds to guess before swapping over.

17

If you enjoyed reading this book,
please take a moment to thank
the author by posting a review.