“Through all the trials and tribulations I have been through as a woman and a mother. I have had many achievements and successes. But it all starts with the opportunities and pathways people create. I am so proud and privileged to be a disability support worker because it is probably one of the most rewarding jobs you can have.” – Jocephy Daniels
Jocephy Daniels is the latest ambassador for Heroes With Ability. On top of a being Disability Support Worker at Afford, Gregory Hills, she also plays as a centre in the WNRL for the Parramatta Eels
“I grew up in poverty with a single mum and my brother,” said Jocephy, in an article for the NRL.
“I was making a lot of wrong choices like drinking every weekend and missing school. I didn’t care and would blame my childhood on all of my future actions. I was small and skinny and wasn’t too interested in rugby league, but tag kept me out of trouble, I also started learning about my Maori cultural background and got into my Kapa haka.”
Through years of hard work and patience, Jocephy is now playing in the WNRL for the Parramatta Eels. Given the qualities that Jocephy Daniels has shown in her work amongst people with a disability, we have no doubt our latest ambassador will continue to do her club and country proud.
When discussing her work with the disabled and the announcement of Jocephy becoming an ambassador for Heroes With Ability, she went on to say:
“The smiles and laughs you see on our clients faces for any small or big achievements can brighten your day even on the worse. We have true Rugby League supporters for our men and women across the map in disability, in saying that to be on a NRLW platform and have unconditional support is probably the most heart warming feeling.
Heroes With Ability create that environment and pathway where our disability community can enjoy a variety of sports prioritising their interests and wants especially Rugby League. To have both my passions come together and the happiness I see in all areas is mind blowing to say the least. So to have the privilege of becoming an ambassador for Heroes with Ability and have attended many HWA programs I jumped at the opportunity with excitement.
HWA are creating opportunities and pathways for the disability community its an amazing family to be a part of.”
About our Ambassador Program:
Heroes With Ability has close working ties with many people in the National Rugby League (NRL) as well as the broader Australian and New Zealand sporting community.
Our current list of sporting ambassadors include:
Jocephy Daniels (Parramatta Eels WNRL player)
Ryan Matterson (Parramatta Eels NRL player)
Sean Keppie (Manly Sea Eagles NRL player)
Ivan Cleary (Penrith Panthers NRL coach)
Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers NRL player)
Kevin Walters (Brisbane Broncos NRL coach)
Billy Walters (Brisbane Broncos NRL player)
Aaron Woods (St George Dragons NRL player)
Chris Heighington (ex NRL player)
Brett White (Canberra Raiders Assistant Coach)
Lisa Adam (New Zealand Paralympian)
Todd Dorward (Indigenous Australian Artist and Disabled Athlete)
Marco Quintao Jnr (Disabled Athlete)
These ambassadors participate in our sports activity events and help with fund-raising activities on behalf of Heroes With Ability.