Despite only beginning to tenpin bowl a year ago, Williamson will compete against the best Deaf bowlers in the country in what he expects will be a tough competition.

After claiming a silver medal in the State Winter Games last October, Williamson said he had little idea of what to expect in national competition.

‘‘I don’t know any of the other deaf people I am playing against,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m sure they will be good players, too.’’ While he may be unfamiliar with his fellow competitors, Williamson is confident of a strong showing.

‘‘Anything is possible, nothing is impossible for me to achieve and miracles can happen if you believe in yourself.’’ More than 600 athletes will compete at the games in 11 different sports, either as members of state teams or individually.

‘‘I have entered as an individual player, but I have support from the state team,’’ Williamson said.

‘‘I will try my very best (and) I hope I go (well).’’Williamson expressed dismay that deaf athletes were not afforded enough attention in the wider community, but thanked those that had supported him in his brief career.

‘‘Deaf people need more recognition with regard to their abilities and achievements,’’ he said.

‘‘I have had to fund this trip myself and with the support of my mum we are going to the Gold Coast.’’ Aside from the assistance of his mother, Barb, Colin credited other indigenous and deaf athletes for inspiring his sporting pursuits.

‘‘My mum, Barb, has supported my ambitions to do well in whatever I try,’’ Williamson said.

‘‘I have the support of my communication assistant Irene Hill who helps me communicate in the hearing world and my team manager Brad Quin is a great help.

‘‘This will be my first Deaf Games (and) I am very excited to be going to Queensland to play.’’