TYLAH Harrison has not let cystic fibrosis (CF) rule her life and love of sport.
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The talented 12-year-old plays soccer, does gymnastics and is a nipper with Fingal Beach Surf Life Saving Club. She has been selected for the NSW Country Bulls representative squad to play in the OzTag national championships in October.
"Having cystic fibrosis and making it to such a high representative level, as well as being the first junior in Port Stephens to do so, I think is an absolute credit to Tylah," Tylah's mother, Verity Chappell, said.
"She won't let cystic fibrosis get to her."
The St Michael's Primary School student was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease which alters protein in the body causing the build up of mucus in organs like the lungs, at a young age.
She has used sport as a way to battle CF.
"That's why she does so much sport, to keep active and keep her lungs clear," Chappell said.
Tylah's selection for the Bulls under-12 squad, coached by her stepfather Simon Chappell, is a first in Port Stephens OzTag history.
She will line up with players from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast at the national championship being held in Coffs Harbour next month.
Tylah, whose family of six including mum and stepfather all play OzTag, tried out for the squad in July and was told on the day she was in.
"I went out and played my hardest," she said.
While she has not yet met her fellow Bulls teammates, Tylah said she was excited to meet new people and play the sport she loves at a high level.