- 07999544549
- graeme@pkds.org.uk
Charlie's Story
Charlie Mailer has embarked on a wonderful sporting journey that showcases his resilience and determination. Charlie has cerebral palsy, which affects the right side of his body, and he has never let this condition hold him back from pursuing his passion for sport.
Charlie's journey in sport began in the summer of 2021 when he was introduced to wheelchair sports after getting his wheelchair serviced at the TORT centre in Dundee. Thanks to Mandy from NHS Tayside, he was connected to the Perth & Kinross Disability Sport and then to Perth Eagles Wheelchair Sports Club. It was there that Charlie first tried sport using a wheelchair - badminton, boccia, rugby, basketball proved very popular. After experimenting with different sports, Charlie found a strong connection with basketball. “I really enjoyed basketball, so I stayed with that one!” he says.
Charlie's enthusiasm for wheelchair basketball grew when, at the Scottish Disability Sport Tayside Parasport Festival, he watched Ben Leitch play and was inspired to pursue the sport further. Not long after, Charlie was invited to play Basketball for Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club. This experience gave Charlie a deeper understanding of the game and the chance to learn valuable skills, including ball control and shooting, under the guidance of coaches Gemma Lumsdaine and Kevin Rattray.
“Charlie is a great character when on the court but also when he's away from the court. A cracking player with the right attitude to put the work in and push himself to that next level. He is a great player and person to be around always lifting the mood no matter what.”
Ben Leitch - Wheelchair Basketball player and Scotland National Team Captain.
Charlie's hard work and dedication were evident, and his performances were attracting attention from Tina Gordon at Basketball Scotland who selected him to play in his first-ever competitive basketball game at the Basketball Scotland Under 14 Junior Championships in 2022, where he and his team achieved third place. This marked a significant milestone in his journey, and it was just the beginning of these opportunities.
Despite facing challenges, including a period where he had to wear casts on his legs and could not train, Charlie's determination never wavered. He refused to let this setback hold him back. With resilience and a positive attitude, he returned to training and shooting baskets and has continued to succeed. He has since travelled across the UK and abroad for training camps and competitions, constantly improving and gaining knowledge of this amazing Paralympic sport - Barcelona was a highlight and a wholly positive experience.
Throughout his journey, Charlie has been supported by many people, including his mum Anne, who is now involved in coaching at local, regional and national level, and his wider family.
“Watching my little brother play wheelchair basketball is a constant reminder that strength isn't just physical - it's the mindset. He's not only a great athlete, he's also funny, motivated and the one who teaches us all to laugh, stay determined, and never stop moving forward.”
Rachael - Charlie's sister
Looking forward, Charlie's future in wheelchair basketball is full of promise. His goals are clear: “My ambitions for the future are playing professionally in Spain, or any country and playing for Great Britain and representing Team GB at the Paralympics.”
Charlie's advice to others who want to take up sport is simple yet powerful: “Just try it! Try anything. I've tried a lot of sports to find the one I want, so try new things, try your hardest, and never give up! Follow your dreams!”
His journey is a testament to the importance of perseverance, passion, and the courage to follow one's dreams.
Charlie's story is far from finished. He has many more chapters to write, and with his dedication, passion, and determination, the future looks incredibly bright for him.