About this Short Film
No description available for this film.
Film Details
Country:
Australia
Category:
Open Entrant Documentaries
Festival Year:
2018
Filmmaker:
Christina Parker
Film Transcript
I was born naturally with two fingers missing. When it came out these two were actually stuck together, so I had surgery to even it. It's not exactly separated completely, but it still got burned between — debride. Yeah, look, it was different, but I like it; it's like the thing that makes me me.
When I got out of my walker and crutches the first thing I wanted to do was play a sport because that was the ultimate goal for me. Mum and Dad took me to Ozzy Hoops and that trained me up so I could learn the basics about basketball. I remember the coach came out to my parents and said, "We just want you to come play with us," and that helped me. I really enjoy it. I went down here and I joined that team for a couple of seasons and I had the best time.
He's come so far. He's got such a positive attitude. I got to a stage in able-bodied basketball where they were just getting too fast, too big, too strong for me, so I decided I'd give wheelchair basketball a go. It's great because I can finally be in a sport where I can do what everybody else can do, and even be better than some people. I was always one of the worst on the court because I wasn't as fast or as mobile, so playing wheelchair basketball was like a new lease on life. Last year I went up to Queensland; we went to the bronze medal match and we won that match. It was really exciting because I learned so many more skills to enhance my game and take it to the next level.
Aside from the almost constant need for a haircut, Bailey is driven — he's always willing to give it a go. In the next year or so he'd be more than able to go and train with the National League men, with a view to in the next couple of years actually competing with them. The ultimate goal, I think, for everyone that plays is to make the Paralympics, but for me I like to do things in little steps. I made the KCC team, which is the Victorian team, so the next step after that would be to go to Canberra and do a training camp which gets you on the list for the under‑23 worlds.
With my faith, I would not be here today without God in my life. I probably would still be, you know, in a wheelchair, just not as mobile as I am today. If I'm having a down time I know God's always there with me, no matter how bad I'm feeling or how bad an operation is. I know he's always there, so he kind of comforts me in those hard times.
I love my mother every single day and life is way too short. You cannot give anything but a hundred per cent; you can't give any less. You can give more, but you cannot give any less, because if you do you'll end up winding up and going backwards. That's why every day I live by that mantra, because I know that if I don't, my disability is going to take control of me.
I now reflect back and think, he's 15, he is complete, he has found his happy place, and I couldn't be any more proud of him than I am.
Filmmaker
Christina Parker is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Christina Parker.
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15 comments
Faith can help us break through barriers thatc seem impossible to the workd. Thankyou Lord Jesus
Bailey your determination is so admirable. It has got you to represent Victoria at the Kevin Coombs Cup this year within the first year of you giving wheelchair basketball a go. Your faith and drive will take you to where ever your dreams want to go. May you inspire others as you strive to reach your dreams.
A good reminder that Faith can be an inspiration.
Bailey you are joy and inspiration to us all. God blessings on you. Continue to do what you love and what you are good at with God by your side. Thank you for sharing your passion faith and resilience with us. Love and blessings to you and your beautiful family.
Well done Bailey. So admirable to watch... our family attended BCOC today we couldnt get enough of this clipping. We too have a 9 year old child with autism. It really made us open our eyes... God has been so so good in our lives he will keep blessing us on this journey. Without faith trusting God we are nothing. Thank u for sharing this beautiful story with us. Life is absolutely too short to hold back. Well done to his BLESSED parents who sacrifice so much for him. He is a talented young man now. Wishing him all the best for the future. God loves him for sure....xx
Congratulations Bailey on living your life with such a positive attitude of never holding back by always giving 100 - and for putting your trust in the one who can be trusted. Amen to that.
A Mighty Man of God an amazing and ambitious young man. Keep it up Bailey.
Bailey Jankovic U RockYour positive belief in yourself is anazingly inspiring for all who have just viewed this short film. You have made your parents family friends proud. Your determination basketball skill have bought you to where you are now. The sky is the limit - keep on keeping on
I am so proud of my son Bailey. He has always had an attitude of never giving up. Bailey has the most positive look on life. This film showcases his heart to encourage other people with disability to never hold back. Christina you have created a wonderful film and showcased Bailey perfectly.
I love this story... Life IS too short to hold back Your faith and resilience are inspirational
Its was very inspiring Wishing Bailey all the best in the future Loved your motto Christine you did a wonderful job
A great inspiration short story A great motto To live by Never give up a dream One step at a time
Great inspiration. Really shows life can be hard and difficult but never give up and life will go on. Keep doing what you love
God love you Baily. You are amazing and so good at Basket ball. Hugs Rob xx
What a wonderful and inspirational short film thank you for bringing this to us and for show casing Bailey and how to overcome diversity and shine in your own right.