Coffs wheelchair athlete points out a few home truths

DEAR News Of The Area,

Having read the story printed about York St Oval’s upgrade and that Little Athletics is having some success in having its sporting area upgraded – and the statement that training on wet ground is hard – I thought I would point out just how hard it is for a wheelchair athlete to train on grass – period.

I have competed in the Pan Pac Masters Games in my race chair in the 100-metre, ,200m and 400m races.

For me to train for these events I have to train on my local roads, or I have to leave the district and train in Tamworth, on the Gold Coast or in Newcastle.

So York St is not for all abilities.

I tried training with the seniors athletics in Toormina, it was also on grass.

I found it impossible to sustain, as grass and wheelchairs don’t work well together.

It causes injury strains on joints and shoulders and can be dangerous.

Regards,
Henry DUCHATEAU,
Coffs Harbour.