Bell and his 14 team members were selected into the Australian team following strong results at the Australian Disabled National Titles.

“I was invited to compete in the Australian Disabled National Titles over Easter and was delighted to bring home a gold and a silver medal,” Bell said.

“This result has led to my selection into the national team for the Disabled World Water Skiing Titles in California, where I will compete in three events - slalom, trick and jump.

“For one month from September 1, skiing will become my life.

“I have two weeks of intensive training in Florida with some well respected coaches, who I hope can help refine my skills in the weeks leading up to the big event.

“I will then head back to California for a few days of team training before the tournament starts on September 20 at Shortline Lake in Elkgrove.”

Bell lost his leg as a child after he was diagnosed with a degenerative form of cancer.

But Bell has never let that stop him from doing what he loves, that is skiing.

Bell learnt to ski in Batemans Bay in 2003, before moving to Nowra in 2005.

“I learnt to barefoot ski on the Shoalhaven River in 2005 with local identities Garry Wilbraham, manager of the Bomaderry Bowling Club and Tony Emery, from Soilco.”

“These guys persevered with my determination and after nine months, we managed to perfect the barefooting technique.”

Bell continued to improve and last year competed in the able bodies barefoot competition, which he came third in his division (men’s 3).

“It has been a long winter training, in preparation for California,” he said.

“I managed to train into July with the ACT Waterski Club, but when water temperatures hit nine degrees, the degree of difficulty was magnified.

“I was lucky enough to use Stoney Park in Port Macquarie, Myuna Waterski Club and Woodford Waterski Park in Queensland and spend some time training in warmer waters, which has been great.

“I generally try to go to the gym three days a week and ski four times afternoons a week over summer and two during winter.”

Bell said none of this would have been possible without the support of everybody in the community.

“Thank you to everyone who has generously made donations over the last few months, your assistance has helped enormously and has given me focus,” he said. 

“It feels like I now have my own team of supporters who I want to make proud.”

If you would like to join Sam on his journey over the next month or make a contribution to his campaign, please contact him on sbell@goulburn.net.au or on Facebook.  Sam would be grateful for your support and looks forward to doing our country and region proud.