"Madelaine is one of 59 children and organisations in NSW reaping the rewards of a Variety 2016 Scholarship. They are awarded to children who have demonstrated success and commitment in sport, drama, music or academia. The scholarship can be used to cover tuition fees, equipment, travel and accommodation," Variety - the Children's Charity NSW CEO Tam Johnston said.

Madelaine was diagnosed with hemiplegic left sided cerebral palsy at 18 months of age resulting in a weakness on the left side of her body, which affects her hand, arm, shoulder, torso, leg and foot.

As an enthusiastic swimmer from just six months old, her family decided to focus on aqua therapy to help with her condition. Swimming proved to be beneficial in unexpected ways with Madelaine showing a talent for the sport and now swimming competitively.

Given that, due to her condition, her left arm mimics her right, breaststroke is the best discipline for Madelaine; however she doesn't shy away from other swimming styles, including butterfly with one arm, and gives every race her all.

Her biggest fans are her parents, Darren and Kate and her little sister, Amelia, who are often cheering poolside.

They couldn't be more proud of Madelaine's achievement and determination to fulfill her goals. In fact, Madelaine hopes to represent Australia at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the 2020 Para-Olympics in Tokyo.

"We had no idea that she would become so determined and focused on swimming. We now call it 'happy' physiotherapy as it is fun way for Madelaine to undertake exercise to assist her condition," her mother Kate said.

Without Variety's generous support, Madelaine's Olympian dreams would not be such a plausible reality.

These funds have taken her dreams off the starting block by aiding Madelaine in her swimming lessons and competitions. The Variety scholarship will enable Madelaine to attend swimming lessons and meets for another 12 months.

"We can't put a dollar figure on the benefits Madelaine has received from her swimming. It provides her not only with physical benefits by increasing her core strength and giving her a greater range of movement but also the mental stimulation from competing and interacting with other children experiencing similar conditions to herself. Her swimming coach Michelle Garvan tailors her training to her ability and she has a very strong and encouraging support system who always believe in her," Kate said.

Variety - the Children's Charity supports Australian children. Variety supports kids with more than 133 different conditions by giving practical equipment, programs and experiences, to empower them to gain independence and self-esteem and ultimately reach their full potential - as every child deserves. Variety delivers around $1 million every month in individual and organisational equipment grants across Australia.