Meet Cory Crombie, the Happywhenfit Male Youth Health Ambassador for 2019
.Cory Crombie is a school student, para-athlete and an active member of his local community in Bunbury, Western Australia. He is striving towards his goals of being successful in sport and also influencing others in a positive direction.
Cory had a BMX accident in December, 2017 when he was 14 years old which left him with a Spinal Cord Injury. His whole thought process with his recovery has be amazing. Getting back into sports has been his whole aim and help to keep him happy. He has big goals to represent Australia at the Paralympics.
Cory is passionate about being healthy as he believes it has made it easier to get through his accident and recovery. “Looking after yourself is a huge part of helping you feel better and happy”, says Cory.
As the HappyWhenFit Youth Health Ambassador, Cory hopes to help encourage others to start being healthy and maintain it so they can lead a happy and healthy life. He hopes to do this by continuing to be a healthy role model and sharing his story so that people can recognise the strength he has gained by keeping a positive mind-set, eating a healthy diet and staying active, even through the challenges his injury has made him face.
In this week’s blog, Cory shares with us what his vision of health looks like, the type of influence he would like to have as Youth Health Ambassador, and some of the biggest challenges facing young people today.
What does being a positive healthy role model mean to you?
Well, a lot, as being healthy is really important, especially if you want to achieve different things in life. I know being healthy and fit has helped me hugely with what I have been through. Being a healthy role model also means that people can look up to me and then become motivated themselves to become healthy.
Why do you think it’s so important that young people have positive role models and mentors?
Young people need positive roles models to look up to, to see what they can achieve in life. There are many young children have never experienced or known a healthy lifestyle and so if we can show them how to and that it is possible, it can really help their quality of life.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing young people today that affect their health and well-being?
The biggest challenges would be peer pressure, getting parents to provide healthy meals, the increase in technology and the effects this has on our relaxation time. Young people have never known any different and therefore it has become a habit that is now hard to break. It is also a lot easier to grab a junk snack quickly and cheaply, so many families will just buy their kids that.
What are some things in school or community environments that you think are needed to support these challenges (imagine that time and money were not an issue)?
More sport classes, healthy eating lessons, mediation opportunities, programs to get kids eating breakfast, great physiologists and lots of outdoor class options.
Cory and his Basketball WA Team after winning Kevin Coombs Cup undefeated this year!
Who is a positive role model or mentor you look up to and why?
Scotty Crammer
I love watching him ride his BMX! He had a serious accident like me, but gave it everything he had in rehab to get back on his BMX. He now rides with his friends and can do some basic tricks.
Garry Spencer
Because he is healthy ,happy and doing what he loves. He also sees my potential and helps me maximise it.
If each young person was given a positive mentor to guide them and support them through high school, what impact do you think that could have on their health and well-being as a future adult?
It will make a huge different in peoples lives! Some kids lose their way and having someone positive can help them focus on the bigger picture. If they have someone to help them as a teenager they will most likely carry through into adulthood with the same mindset and good habits with exercise and diet.
What kind of positive behaviours do you want to model for other young people as the youth health ambassador?
Being positive, happy, achieving my goals, healthy eating, and being kind to one another. I also want to show them that it’s important to give things a try and enjoy playing sport even if you aren't the best. The skills, discipline, routine and friendships you develop are more important than winning or being the best.
If you had one positive message for young people, what would it be?
Surround yourself with positive people that will help continuously lift you up; make sure you enjoy being healthy, instead of just sitting back and settling; and most importantly, don’t settle for anything less than the best version of yourself.
Cory and his Dad, Mum and sister Jeldhi. Cory’s accident has brought them even closer together as a family. They continue to be a pillar of strength and positivity for Cory that allows him to continue chasing his dreams and being the positive role model he is for others.
Thanks so much Cory for sharing your inspirational story and responses with us. I am so proud to have you as the male youth health ambassador for Happywhenfit. You are the perfect example of someone who creates a picture of sustainable and holistic health through application to fitness, diet and mental health.
I look forward to seeing all of the amazing adventures and achievements you continue to pursue and the people’s whose lives you will touch in sharing your courageous, positive and healthy self.
Danae
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