Paralysed footballer hopes to walk
A promising young footballer left with crippling injuries after a collision at the weekend has talked publicly for the first time since the incident.
Canning Vale Senior Football Club player Damian Waight is paralysed from the neck down after he collided with a Coolbinia West Perth player on Saturday.
The 23-year-old former WAFL player told Seven News last night he hoped to regain movement soon. "Basically I just copped a knock to the neck while playing football, from there I don't really remember a lot," Mr Waight said.
According to reports, a crack could be heard from the boundary line. Canning Vale club coach Dan Clarke said the incident, which is being investigated, was unfortunate.
"He put his head over the ball to pick it up and a player from the opposition came through and put a bump on," he said.
Mr Waight should find out in a few days whether he will walk again.
His family and friends have set up Facebook page Do it for Damo in a bid to raise money to aid his rehabilitation and the club will hold a fundraiser at the weekend.
The 21-year-old Coolbinia West Perth player who collided with Mr Waight apologised and wished him a full recovery.
Coolbinia West Perth club president Bob Scherini said he was deeply saddened by the incident.
