At Bedford, we take pride in the fact so many of our staff and employees are involved with sport in their day-to-day lives, representing a range of codes like football, soccer, swimming, and even archery and ten pin bowling.
In our midst, we have someone who has recently been accepted to compete at the highest international level – the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin from 17 to 25 June.
Anton Cobb, who makes Bunnings flatpacks and furniture at Bedford Manufacturing, is one of only four South Australians bound for Berlin to represent Australia in basketball.
Anton received an email to let him know he’d qualified to join the Australian squad. When asked how he felt, Anton said “Mmm, surprised and shocked!”
Anton plays Defence Guard and his favourite NBA team is the Houston Rockets. “I was born in Houston, that’s where I’m from,” Anton said.
Anton attended training camp in Melbourne at the end of February, where he met his teammates, did some training sessions, and was fitted for his Australian basketball uniform and gear.
Since then, he has been training at home, and especially focussing on his footwork, under the tutelage of his mum.
Anton will be recognised at the Bedford Gala Evening in May, and doesn’t mind being ‘Bedford famous’, “I like it,” he says cheekily.
Mum will be going to Berlin with Anton, and she’ll be in the stands watching him compete. Anton is clearly aware of her dedicated support, and teasingly says about her potential barracking “…hope she’s not going to be a psycho mum!”
Afterwards, they will be going on a holiday around Europe, and although he doesn’t have any particular places he wants to see, he’s most looking forward to just looking around.
We hope you have a fantastic trip Anton, you go with all of the best wishes of Bedford! If you do your best you’re already a winner.
As told to Peter Greco on Vision Australia Radio - you can listen here at this link - start at around 60 minutes into the broadcast!
You can find out more about Anton at the Special Olympics Athlete Profile page and support his trip to Berlin with a donation.