Comments on: What If Wheelchair Racing Were Just Another Sport?

By: Josh Levine

Josh Levine — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 23:49:12 +0000

Thank you for writing this article, Victoria! I can certainly relate– I was diagnosed with Legg Perthes when I was eight, and have been able to walk and run for short periods of time ever since. But I’ve always loved sports, and when I discovered wheelchair basketball I dove right in.

I’ve been playing competitively with people of all levels of disability for the past nine years, and I know my life would have been far, far worse without that opportunity. But people are always shocked when I tell them I play because I don’t use a chair regularly. I, too, know how many people would benefit if there were more like us who participated in adaptive sports.

I’m going to make a shameless plug here… my team is fundraising by selling these really cool shirts, and if you or any of your readers want to support the cause, we would really appreciate it! You can buy a T or tank at these links:
http://teespring.com/ctspokebenders
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By: wjpeace

wjpeace — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:36:35 +0000

This is a very interesting and positive take on adaptive sports. It gives a great sense of the enthusiasm often associated with adaptive programs. I was struck by the resistance some people who do not have an obvious disability–paralysis or blindness or an amputee for example–to adaptive sport. This sort of stigma I think is fading into history. As a paralyzed man who skis, kayaks, and bikes I am delighted to a range of people benefit from adaptive sports. Even people who are barely disabled are welcome! Joking of course. All who cannot participate traditionally in a given sport should seek an adaptive program.

By: Tanis Mallow

Tanis Mallow — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 22:13:02 +0000

My daughter’s best friend now uses a wheelchair (though she’s on the mend). How much fun would it be for them to train or compete together. Once you’re in the wheelchair or sledge or outrigger it’s a level playing field. Here’s to integration.

By: Steve Wilkinson

Steve Wilkinson — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 09:52:07 +0000

Brilliant article, Victoria. It’s so much in line with my own thinking. Although a wheelchair user born with Spina Bifida, I’ve never done sports, although I did push 3 half marathons around 1990.

I want to redefine the wheelchair from a symbol of disability which helps to create the stigma you refer to. What is a wheelchair? It’s just a seat with wheels. What is a racing wheelchair? Just another sports vehicle similar to a cycle, etc. so why can’t anyone compete in sports and fun activities in wheelchairs. Absolutely no reason.

I have plans to put some projects together which could both help youth unemployment as well as provide fun activities in wheelchairs in which anyone can take part. These projects will also help educate people about what it’s like to use a wheelchair.

It’s not just you, Victoria, who may need a wheelchair tomorrow. Anyone could have an accident or illness that could change their lives. But their mobility need not be affected as a wheelchair (or scooter) can make mobility less of a challenge for many more years as it has for me.

Steve “WheelchairSteve” Wilkinson
Founder of International Wheelchair Day (1st March) and International Wheelchair Club

By: JA

JA — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:59:06 +0000

this is very cool. i would love to see adaptive equipment less stigmatized, in sports and everyday life.