OnTrack - April 17 - June18

April-June 2018 • Issue 13

 YOUR DISABILITY SPORTS MAGAZINE

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WAR ON

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How ParalympicsGB had their best Winter Games yet

PYEONGCHANG INSIDE

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FIND OUT WHAT YOUR FITNESS SPIRIT ANIMAL IS

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YOUR DISABILITY SPORTS MAGAZINE

THE TEAM Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writer: Colette Carr Katie Campbell Designer: Stephen Flanagan Marketing: Sophie Scott Sales: Andy Singh

CONTACT Call: 0141 465 2960 Fax: 0141 258 7783 Email: ros@2apublishing.co.uk Web: ontrackmagazine.co.uk Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Industrial Estate, Glasgow G46 8JT

HELLO A WORD FROM ONTRACK EDITOR, ROSALIND TULLOCH

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resh out of the excitement and exhilaration of our greatest ever Winter Paralympic Games in South Korea, we can barely catch our breath before jumping head first into more para sport action at the Commonwealth Games currently taking place in the Gold Coast, Australia.

Following on from our preview on the Commonwealth Games last issue, we have put together a snapshot of info on this year’s most inclusive Games to date, you can find this on page 25.

This issue celebrates the outstanding performances of ParalympicsGB in PyeongChang in March.

History was made with the first ever snowboarding team put forward for GB, the first para Nordic skier in 20 years and our alpine skiers dominated on the slopes. We scooped an incredible seven medals, achieving our target, and that included a coveted gold medal courtesy of Welsh visually impaired skier Menna Fitzpatrick and her guide Jen Kehoe.

You can get the lowdown on all the snowy action starting on page 11.

Away from the major competitions we look at what the Scottish Football Association is doing to make the game more accessible to people of all abilities, we catch up with boccia world champion Stephen McGuire and we look at the effects the change in classifications is having on many of our elite athletes.

Ever wondered what your fitness spirit animal is? I am a sloth.

HISTORY WAS MADE WITH THE FIRST EVER SNOWBOARDING TEAM PUT FORWARD FOR GB, THE FIRST PARA NORDIC SKIER IN 20 YEARS AND OUR ALPINE SKIERS DOMINATED ON THE SLOPES.

OnTrack Magazine, Editor

@OnTrack_Mag

DISCLAIMER

OnTrack Magazine is published by 2A Publishing Limited. The views expressed in OnTrack Magazine are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. Reproduction in part or in whole is strictly prohibited without the explicit written consent of the publisher.

Copyright 2018 © 2A Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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OnTrack Magazine is out every three months and is available completely free of charge.

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CONTENTS

APRIL JUNE 2018

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11

20

INSIDE 7 INSIDE TRACK

The latest sports news to hit the headlines

11 PYEONGCHANG SUCCESS

25

We round up GB’s most successful Winter Paralympics, ever!

20 A GAME FOR ALL

Read about a world first from the Scottish FA

23 SIGNPOSTS FOR SUCCESS A sign of the times for deaf curlers

25 GOING FOR GOLD

All you need to know as the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games finally arrive!

28 SMART TECH

The latest sport tech and equipment to up your game

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48

SUBSCRIBE FREE

30 THE C WORD

SUBSCRIPTION

OnTrack explores the issues in classifying our athletes and swimmers

32 NUTRITION

Eat, train, rest, repeat!

34 WAR ON ICE

Taken by the para hockey at the Paralympics? Get ready for the British season!

36 WHAT’S YOUR FITNESS SPIRIT ANIMAL?

Do you have the heart of a lion but the effort of a tortoise? Find out what you are now!

POST ONLINE & PHONE

SEND YOUR FILLED OUT FORM TO: OnTrack Magazine, 2A Publishing Ltd, Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Ind Est, Glasgow, G46 8JT

ontrackmagazine.co.uk

0141 465 2960

40 WHEELPOWER

We catch up with national charity Wheelpower

45 GET SPORTY AT NAIDEX

SUBSCRIPTION

Find out what’s on offer at this year’s show

46 ALL YOU NEED IS BOCCIA

World champion Stephen McGuire can’t wait to bring the world to Merseyside

48 TRAINING FOR TOKYO

Meet 43-year-old Stuart Meikle, a new triathlete with his eyes on the prize

50 THE LAST LAP

We hear from Paralympian Sammi Kinghorn all the way from the Gold Coast

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I am subscribing because I am: a disabled person a sports club a parent of a disabled child a professional in the industry I would like to be contacted by OnTrack magazine with marketing material

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INSIDE TRACK P8

Sophie Kamlish enjoys a new personal best in Glasgow

P9

Paralympic medallist, Shelley Woods, ventures into the world of PT

IT'S TOKYO TIME

Path to Tokyo for Women in Sport

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Path to Success will provide sponsorship for women competing in four major disability sports: Para-Equestrian Dressage, Para Powerlifting, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis, with further sponsorship announcements to follow later this year.

The Path to Tokyo initiative will provide financial support to female Paralympic hopefuls who need funding to pursue their dream of competing for a medal at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

S U B SCRI BE

Keeping you up to date with what’s happening in the world of disability sport

P9

All the latest tweets from across the world of disability sports

TEAM GB

MULTI-SPORT

isability charity Path to Success has announced the launch of a new campaign to support talented British women in disability sport to achieve their Paralympic dreams.

ALL THE LATEST NEWS...

Para-Powerlifter Louise Sugden, 33, and London Titans Wheelchair Basketball player Sophie Patterson, 19 are the first athletes to receive funding through the initiative. The funding will contribute towards coaching, training, travel costs, and specialised sports wheelchairs.

Sophie commented: “The sponsorship that Path to Success has awarded me is a lifechanging chance which will give me the opportunity to take my game to the next level. It means that I will not have to cut corners to make ends meet and I can access everything that I need to become the player that I am capable of being. Next stop Tokyo!”

HAVE A GO WITH BLIND SPORTS British Blind Sport’s Have a Go Day programme is heading to Cambridge.

Attendees will be able to have a go at a range of activities including goalball, tennis, football, cricket, guide running and tandem cycling.

Taking place on on Sunday 29 April, the event is open to anyone with a visual impairment aged five and up, including their friends, family or siblings.

It will run from 9.30am – 3.30pm at Cambridge Regional College Sports Centre and is in partnership with Living Sport and Cam Sight.

Find out more at britishblindsport.org.uk.

Get all the latest disability sports news, articles, interviews and events by subscribing free to ONTRACK Magazine...

ONTRACK magazine.co.uk

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INSIDETRACK

Keeping you up to date with what’s happening in the world of disability sport

ATHLETICS

PB FOR SOPHIE Sophie Kamlish bags herself a personal best

DON ’T K N OW W H A T I W A S E XP E CT I N G RE A L LY , I W A S OBV I OUSLY GOI N G T O RUN A S FA ST A S I COUL D, A N D I ’V E RUN A P B W H I CH I S H UGE ..

RUGBY

DESTROYERS DESTROY RECORD

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heelchair rugby club Dorset Destroyers’ brave attempt to break a Guinness World Record may have fallen just short of the mark but they did succeed in the fundraising and awareness stakes.

Their mammoth effort saw the club attempt to break the world record of 26 hours of non-stop wheelchair rugby fives benefitting The Royal Signals Benevolent Fund and Cakes for Casualties.

The challenge took place on 17 March at Rossmuir Leisure Centre in a bid to raise the club’s profile as they continue to look to grow their plans to create a disability sport powerhouse in Poole.

THE

SOCIAL CLUB

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@JonniePeacock

The fastest woman in the world on one blade brought the national record for the T43-44 60m down again with a new personal best, despite time away from the track due to uni commitments.

Sophie Kamlish brought her personal best down from 8.53 to 8.47 at the Indoor Grand Prix in February in front of the Glasgow crowd.

Coming in second to German Irmgard Bensusan, the Paralympian impressed in her first major 60m.

“I’m feeling good,” Kamlish told OnTrack.

“I don’t know what I was expecting really, I was obviously going to run as fast as I could, and I’ve run a PB which is huge which is really what I was looking for in this mixed category event, but I’m pleased. I would’ve liked to have won but it’s not the end of the world,” she said.

Racing in one of only two para events at the Grand Prix that saw the likes of Sophie Hahn and Maria Lyle, Kamlish was keen to praise the inclusion of two female finals in the predominately non-disabled programme.

Just went into a local gym and I think there were several people who needed a visit to the opticians..... their vision was so bad that they had to stand 1mm from the mirror to see if they were doing the correct arm technique......

@BrettWild

Hi @noelfielding11, I can confirm I am real and would love to meet up to prove it. Lots of love, Brett Wild @TheLastLeg @ C4Paralympics @ParalympicsGB P.S @KasabianHQ is my favourite band, bring Sergio

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INSIDETRACK HEADER

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

FOOTBALL

TRAINING

SOGB PREPARE VI FOOTBALL SHELLY SETS FOR ABU DHABI FANS INSIGHT UP AS PT One year ahead of the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, Special Olympics GB have announced an incredible delegation of 129 athletes to travel, with seven spaces still up for grabs.

Competing against 7000 athletes from another 167 countries across 17 sports, the 15th edition of the Games will take place on 14-21 March 2019.

SOGB said: “Special Olympics GB is delighted to announce its team for the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. The World Summer Games is the biggest global event for Special Olympics every four years.” www.specialolympics.org

@Sam_Kinghorn

Visually impaired Celtic fans who take in the game through a dedicated commentary stream will now hear from manager Brendan Rodgers ahead of kick off.

The 70 fans in the visually impaired area of Celtic Park’s main stand will hear Rodgers’ recording of his programme manager’s notes, bringing them closer to the action.

Rodgers told the club: “I am delighted to do this for our fans, and if it can help add to the experience for our supporters, then that is great.

"I have always felt my programme notes are a very important way to welcome fans to the stadium, to set the scene and explain my thoughts on the game.”

Doing no bad at making pals with the locals! Steve Irwin was my idol when I was a child so getting a chance to visit his zoo today was one off the bucket list #kangaroo #australia #australiazoo

Can you imagine booking a personal training session with a Paralymian? Well now you can. London marathon champion and Paralympic silver medallist, Shelly Woods, has recently qualified in level 3 personal training.

The 31-year-old athlete has recently returned to training following maternity leave and she told the Blackpool Gazette that she was excited to share her passion for fitness with others as a personal trainer: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always been so into fitness, it’s something I really love and enjoy doing.

It’s always been a big part of my life and it always makes me feel good.

Follow @shellywoods86 on Instagram

@ParalympicsGB

The Paralympic Flame, lit in Stoke Mandeville, is extinguished in PyeongChang as our greatest Winter Games comes to a close.

Thank you, South Korea. We’re coming home. #BeFearless

magazine.co.uk

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PARALYMPICSGB

PEAK ON THE PISTE It was an exhilarating week of both undeniable highs and heartbreak, but ultimately out PyeongChang paralympians produced our best winter games yet.

ALPINE SKIING

PARALYMPICS 2018

BRITAIN’S GOLDEN GIRLS LEAD THE WAY The real British stars of the PyeongChang Games could be found on the alpine skiing slopes, with Menna Fitzpatrick and Jen Kehoe the golden girls taking home GB’s only gold of the Games on top of their double silver and bronze from earlier in the week.

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heir final day gold in the slalom registered Britain’s second ever Winter Paralympic gold following Kelly Gallagher’s effort in Sochi 2014. Heading into the second run with an impressive time of 54:24 and in second place, the duo dug deep to produce an incredible overall of 1:51:80 to seal first place.

Fitzpatrick and Kehoe’s feat becomes all the more impressive when we remember the presence of VI skiing legend Henrieta Farkasova. Farkasova and guide Natalia Subrtova

had hoovered up four golds from all their other events on the alpine slopes heading into the final day poised to take a clean sweep home to Slovakia. But clocking in at an eyewatering 0.66 seconds in front of the sixtime World Cup champion, lady luck was on Fitzpatrick and Kehoe’s side as they capped their time in Asia with a golden moment.

The pair had already lifted bronze in their opening downhill despite an early crash with Fitzpatrick becoming the first Welsh medallist in Paralympic skiing before two silvers in the super combined and giant slalom and were rewarded with the honour of being GB’s closing ceremony flagbearers.

Britain’s other skiing sensation Millie Knight and her guide Brett Wild completed the GB medal target with their silvers in the downhill and Super G before they joined Fitzpatrick and Kehoe on the slalom podium adding a bronze to their collection.

PYEONGCHANG HIGHLIGHTS

With a UK Sport target of between six and 12 medals, and seven being the ambition, the two 19-year-olds bolstered Great Britain up to 13th on the table guaranteeing ParalympicsGB’s most successful Paralympics ever.

STYLE ON THE SLOPES

CZECH OUT THE HAIR

Slovakia wins the OnTrack award for ‘Best Dressed Athletes’ with their retro style winter tracksuits with matching scarves. We need to up our style stakes next time.

53-year-old ice para ice hockey player, Miroslav Hrbek, was also the Czech Republic flag bearer and we couldn’t help but appreciate his inventive facial hair.

AGAINST ALL ODDS Netherlands snowboarder Bibian Mentel-Spee, claimed two gold medals after undergoing major surgery and radiation treatment for cancer in December 2017.

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NORDIC SKIING

PARALYMPICS 2018

CROSS COUNTRY SKIER GIVES ALL ON SLOPES The British contingency competing in this discipline was made up of just one bold skier, Scott Meenagh from Cumbernauld, Scotland. Scott was making his Paralympic debut as the first GB athlete to compete in Para Nordic skiing at the Paralympic Games in 20 years.

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is first challenge was the Men’s 15km sitting event in which he placed 17th with a time of 46:07.4 following a sprint finish against China’s Bitao Huang who just sneaked ahead to take 16th place. The gold medal was taken by Ukraine’s Maksym Yarovyi, silver went to Daniel Cnossen of USA and the home nation South Korea scooped bronze.

The Men’s 1.1km sprint saw a finish of 16th place for Scott Meenagh after a solid performance which saw him finish just four places shy of the semi final – not bad for a debut performance. His final race of the Games saw him place 14th in the 7.5km sitting event with a time of 25:17.5 as South Korea’s Eui Hyun Sin raced to an impressive gold, followed

by USA’s Daniel Cnossen in second and Ukraine’s Maksym Yarovyi

SHARK TALE Two sharks. Three pints of blood.

150 stitches. Sean Pollard is the Australian snowboarder who can actually say he lost his limbs in a shark attack. He had also never seen snow until 30 months ago.

HISTORY MAKING Snowboarders Owen Pick, Ben Moore and James BarnesMiller made history as the first ever snowboard team to represent Great Britain.

THE MEN’S 1.1KM SPRINT SAW A FINISH OF 16TH PLACE FOR SCOTT MEENAGH AFTER A SOLID PERFORMANCE SAW HIM FINISH JUST 4 PLACES SHY OF THE SEMI FINAL in third. These are the athletes that Scott Meenagh will be now be setting his sights on catching in Beijing in four years time.

USA dominated the cross country medal table with four golds, three silver and two bronze medals. Canada secured the highest number of medals with four golds, one silver and five bronze.

Ukraine and Belarus racked up an impressive medal tally too and the Russian athletes competing under the Neutral Paralympic Athletes flag claimed nine medals overall, two golds, four silvers and three bronze.

WELSH WIZARD Golden girl Menna Fitzpatrick got her week off to a recordbreaking start with her super G bronze medal making her the first Welsh Winter Paralympic skiing medallist.

MORE GAMES ON NEXT PAGE

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BIATHLON

PARALYMPICS 2018

SHOOT NOW SKI LATER AND REPEAT While also competing in the cross-country skiing, Scott Meenagh took on the seated biathlon programme, leading to a gruelling schedule covering 60km over eight days in baking conditions, becoming the third ever Paralympian to compete in six events in a single Games.

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eenagh’s Paralympic biathlon debut scored much promise for the future with the Scot registering three top 20 finishes. His first ever Paralympic event came in the men’s 7.5km sitting biathlon, seeing the former paratrooper come in at 18th, leaving him “buzzing” ahead of his exhausting five more outings.

The longer distances proved more successful as he flirted with a top ten finish as he secured 14th in the 12.5km and 15km, but after dubbing the sport “nails”, the 28-year-old made his mark during his time in South Korea building strong foundations for four years’ time in Beijing.

PYEONGCHANG HIGHLIGHTS

Elsewhere in the biathlon, the Russian delegation competing under the title of Neutral

“THE LONGER DISTANCES PROVED MORE SUCCESSFUL AS HE FLIRTED WITH A TOP TEN FINISH AS HE SECURED 14TH IN THE 12.5KM AND 15KM.” Paralympic Athletes topped the biathlon table with 11 medals, all won by women, with Mikhalina Lysova taking two gold and a silver in the women’s visually impaired events.

France’s Benjamin Daviet was the other big winner in the biathlon. The Frenchman who competed in the standing discipline took a cross country bronze at Sochi 2014 in the 4 x 2.5km open relay, but South Korea brought his first Paralympic biathlon medals, seeing him leave with gold in the men’s 12.5km and 7.5km standing, and silver in the 15km.

SAMBA ON THE SNOW

NORTH KOREA NIGHTS

The youngest competitor of the Games, Brazil’s 15-year-old Cristian Ribera, came sixth in the men’s cross-country long distance sitting, despite only seeing snow once a year!

Despite frosty relations between North and South Korea, North Korea made their Winter Paralympic debut in their neighbouring country, in a historical move for both nations.

WIZARD OF OZ Australia finally recorded an elusive gold with snowboarder Simon Patmore’s cross SB-UL win sealing their first in 16 years dating back to Salt Lake City 2002.

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CURLING

PARALYMPICS 2018

CURLING IS COOL FOOL It was not to be for the GB curlers as their Paralympic journey was cut short at 7th place.

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he dreams of reaching the medal stages started off strong as the first three days saw Team Neilson win four out of the five matches, including a historic 8-1 win over reigning champs Canada, who incidentally had won gold at every Paralympics since curling was introduced in 2006.

A couple of big defeats took their toll on the team’s standing in the round robin table and day six saw a painfully close match with South Korea, resulting in a win for the home nation decided by the measuring tape. This loss unfortunately left their fate up to the result of a match between Slovakia and Norway – a win for Norway would dash GB’s

BLOOD BROTHERS Members of the US hockey team Nikko Landeros and Tyler Carron, who both lost legs in the same accident, won gold after beating Canada 2-1.

DREAM SMASHERS Henrieta Farkašová’s dreams of five golds at the Games wasn’t accomplished – GB’s Menna Fitzpatrick took gold in the visually impaired slalom, preventing her clean sweep.

“A COUPLE OF BIG DEFEATS TOOK THEIR TOLL ON THE TEAM’S STANDING IN THE ROUND ROBIN TABLE AND DAY SIX SAW A PAINFULLY CLOSE MATCH WITH SOUTH KOREA...” hopes of a chance at a medal.

As the nation turned into passionate Slovakia supporters (not least for their stylish tracksuits), for a time it felt like they were going to emerge victorious, but unfortunately a 6-6 draw resulted in an extra end decider that allowed Norway to snatch away Britain’s medal hopes.

Their final match against China resulted in defeat and Great Britain ended their journey in 7th place.

The semi-finals saw Norway triumph over South Korea in an 8-6 win and China beat Canada in a tense 4-3 defeat. The bronze medal match saw Canada hold the victory over the home nation but it was China who emerged victorious taking the first ever gold medal in wheelchair curling for their country and Norway securing the silver.

THE MCKEEVER STAMPEDE Canadian skier Brian McKeever extended his lead as Canada’s most decorated winter Paralympian, winning his 14th gold medal at the Games.

MORE GAMES ON NEXT PAGE

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PARA HOCKEY

PARALYMPICS 2018

BATTLE OF THE BEST FOR HOCKEY GOLD It was always going to be an all North American final with Russia sending no athletes to compete in the Games.

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n Group A Canada romped through the preliminary rounds, winning all three of their games scoring an incredible 35 goals with nothing getting past Canada’s goaltenders Corbin Watson and Dominic Larocque. Italy narrowly managed to move through to the semi-finals, beating both Sweden and Norway.

In group B, the United States dominated, also going undefeated to progress to the finals. Joining them were the home nation South Korea, who sailed through their game against Japan and scraped a win in overtime against the Czech Republic, with Seung-Hwan Jung – nicknamed Messi on Ice – scoring the winning goal.

The semi-finals saw Canada trounce South Korea 7-0 and the United States beat Italy 10-1, with the losing sides facing off in the bronze medal game.

After 40 tense minutes, South Korea finally managed to put their

MR ‘ICE’ T TWEETS

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Make no mistake about it fool! I’ll be watching, cheering, hollering, supporting, aand nd showing much love for the Paralympics aand nd I hope you will join me! #Paralympics #IPityTheFoolwhodontwatchtheParalympics

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A NAIL BITING FINAL BETWEEN CANADA AND THE USA SAW THE STATES WIN THEIR THIRD CONSECUTIVE GOLD. team on the board with a rocket from defenceman Dong-Shin Jang. The home nation maintained their lead through the third period, securing their first bronze medal in para hockey.

A nail biting final between Canada and the USA saw the States win their third consecutive gold. Canada started scoring in the first period, with forward Billy Bridges scoring late in the first period. Canada hung on to their lead until with 37.8 seconds left on the clock, Declan Farmer equalised for the US. It was Farmer who would again prove to be Canada’s undoing in overtime, capturing the gold with a shot after only three minutes.

Let’s show our Paralympic athletes some much deserved love. They Hustle, Struggle, Inspire, and they don’t Quit. Grrr! #Paralympics #IPityTheFoolwhodontwatchtheParalympics

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Wheelchair curling! This is my first time ever watching wheelchairs curling! I said it before and I’ll say it again... curling is cool fool! But wheelchairs curling, more cooler! #Paralympics #ParalympicWinterGames #IPityTheFoolwhodontwatchtheParalympics

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SNOWBOARDING

PARALYMPICS 2018

FIRST EVER GB SNOWBOARD TEAM COMPETE British hopefuls made history as they took to the slopes as Britain’s innaugural snowboarding team in hopes of medal glory.

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en Moore, James BarnesMiller and Owen Pick made up the British para snowboarding team. However, despite some solid performances our snowboarders failed to take any places on the podium. This first taste of Paralympic competition has lit a fire in the team though and they have their eyes firmly set on Beijing 2022.

In the men’s events, the United States cleaned up, with Noah Elliott, Mike Schultz and Mike Minor each taking two medals – including individual golds – across the classes in the banked slalom and snowboard cross events.

Finland’s Matti Suur-Hamari, an up-andcoming name in the snowboarding world, who came off a record-breaking 2017 and strong performance at last

year’s X Games, took gold in the snowboard cross and bronze in the banked slalom SBLL2 class, proving his mettle and setting him up as one to beat in future events.

The United States dominated the medal table in the women’s events too, with SB-LL1 world ranked number one snowboarder Brenna Huckaby winning gold in both banked slalom and snowboard cross in her class. USA’s Amy Purdy also took two medals – a silver in snowboard cross and bronze in banked slalom – in the same class. The Netherlands also landed two gold medals, both from SB-LL2 world number one Bibian Mentel-Spee, and a silver in snowboard cross and bronze in banked slalom from one-towatch Lisa Bunschoten.

“IN THE MEN’S EVENTS, THE UNITED STATES CLEANED UP, WITH NOAH ELLIOTT, MIKE SCHULTZ AND MIKE MINOR EACH TAKING TWO MEDALS...”

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SCOTT MEENAGH

PARATROOPER TO PARALYMPIAN Scott Meenagh has just made his Winter Paralympic debut, but the world of snowy peaks and endurance sports was not his first ambition.

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redefined. I want to be known for other achievements, not for the guy that lost his legs at work seven years ago. Sport has helped me move on with my life. It’s given me more of an identity as a sportsperson rather than as an ex-soldier.”

elp for Heroes athlete Scott Meenagh achieved his boyhood dream of being one of the most elite professional soldiers in the world when he joined the paratroopers.

Post-injury, his goals changed and he redefined himself through sport, becoming the first sit-skier to represent GB at the Paralympic Games in 20 years.

Scott was part of the Paralympic Inspiration Programme (PiP) when Help for Heroes took a number of beneficiaries to the Sochi Winter Paralympics to get an understanding of what elite sport is all about. It was here that he first discovered paranordic skiing.

“I absolutely loved being a paratrooper and being part of a strong, tight knit unit. There’s a sense of being proud of your achievements and what you’ve overcome to get there. We relied heavily on each other and there was real cohesion between the lads.”

Scott was just 21 years old and a Private when he lost both of his legs above the knee during an incident in Afghanistan.

He was part of a recovery operation to find the kit belonging to a soldier injured by a roadside bomb when he stood on an IED. He simply refers to it as a “rough day at work.”

Scott was flown back to the UK and spent the next four months in hospital. He said although this time was tough, it gave him the chance to think hard about what was next for him.

“All I wanted to be was a paratrooper or rugby player. Those two things had been taken away from me so I had to re-evaluate and start breaking things up and think about what the rest of my life would look like.

“I knew immediately that avenue and part of my life was over and I had to find a new purpose and reason to get out of my bed. I wanted to find something I could redefine myself through.

I didn’t want to dwell on those days. I wanted to get up and do something with my life. It was hard to walk away from a part of my life I loved but I had to.

“I knew I needed a new focus and for me, that was learning to walk again. I wanted to be mobile and independent and be the master of my own fate again.”

Scott spent two years at Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre where he was introduced to Help for Heroes and he was soon opened up to a new world of sport.

“I was able to find a new drive and a new reason through sport. I was one of the lucky ones in that respect. It helped me focus on what I can do, not what

“I was amazed by it; the physicality, the skill, technique, the environment.

It looked a lot of fun, like real life Mario Kart! The fire in my belly was lit.

“FOR ME IT’S ALL ABOUT THE JOURNEY. I DIDN’T WAKE UP ONE MORNING AND THINK ‘I WANT TO GO TO THE PARALYMPICS’.”

I couldn’t. It enables you to learn new skills and find new limits. It’s a great way to reinstall confidence which has been lost. Sport helped me find that infectious optimism.”

From taking part in the first Invictus Games in London 2014, Scott realised his future career would lie in sport.

“I used to walk into a room, stand tall and feel very proud of myself and feel very capable. I really lost that after my injury. Through finding sport and that purpose, I found that extra couple of inches. I felt tall, I felt strong. It helped me find my way again. Invictus was that springboard.

“What I really like about sport is it has a nice way of humbling you. Getting into a high performance environment, no one cares how you lost your legs, they care about how fast you can run the 1,000 metres.

“I don’t want to be a victim, I don’t people to feel sorry for me. I want to achieve, I want to be

“For me it’s all about the journey. I didn’t wake up one morning and think ‘I want to go to the Paralympics’. My mind set was that I wanted to throw the kitchen sink at something. I want to commit, be diligent and work extremely hard.

It’s about being the best person in yourself you can be and bettering yourself every day. If you don’t, down the line will be that unanswered question of what if?”

Through the Help for Heroes partnership with the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team, Scott was able to turn a skiing hobby into a real chance of Paralympic glory.

“I very narrowly missed out on the Rio Paralympics with GB Rowing. I know what it’s like to work really hard for a few years and miss out on that ultimate goal and what it feels like to not be on that plane. I made a deal with myself I didn’t want to feel like that again.

“I feel incredibly lucky to be given the opportunity I have. I feel fit, I feel strong and I have the chance to do something really special with my life.

“When your skiing by yourself, it’s stunning. It’s quiet, it’s peaceful, it’s a total escape. A real sense of freedom. I really hope our journey inspires others.

“I want to look back and feel we’ve truly blazed a trail for others to follow.”

If you wish to get involved with sport at Help for Heroes, go to helpforheroes.org.uk/get-support or email sportsrecovery@helpforheroes.org.uk.

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FOOTBALL

Football is steeped in history and culture across Scotland from lowly but passionate amateur level, to the skilled Premiership.

A GAME FOR ALL Words by Colette Carr

T

he Scottish game has an illustrious and colourful history, filled with ground breaking chapters of success, glory days and revolutionaries of the game.

Love it or hate it, its ingrained in Scotland’s society, a cultural stalwart that is hard to escape. Starting life as the working-class’ sporting refuge removed from elitist sports enjoyed by higher classes, football has transcended to become the sport of choice for many irrespective of social standing. From the terracing to the socalled ‘prawn sandwich brigade’, Scottish football fans’ relationship with the beautiful game is vast and varied.

It’s known as a game for all, an accessible sport to play regardless of what’s in the

bank or where you grow up.

But now after a ground-breaking move in what is believed to be a world first, the Scottish Football Association have moved to service Scotland’s disabled football community better than anywhere ever before.

The creation of the Para-Football National Association will provide overall support for a number of disciplines in disability football in the country bringing them together under one umbrella term to give greater opportunities, togetherness and a voice.

Launching the association at the inclusive Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre in the inaugural Scottish Para-football conference, the SFA welcomed delegates from various parts of Scotland’s disability

game and politicians to share their thoughts, plans and ambitions.

The Association also welcomed a BSL interpreter to ensure nothing was missed as excitement continued to grow.

The SFA commented: “The Scottish FA is committed to ensure the game in Scotland can truly be “Football for all” and in 2017 launched its new strategy PlayAbility - Our Game is the Same. The strategy, which will run through to 2022, aims to create greater opportunities within Para-Football which will allow participants to reach their full potential.”

Under the new pan association, more than £100,000 will be invested to help amputee, cerebral palsy, deaf, frame, learning disability, Special Olympics,

20 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

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SFA

create more clubs.

Sticking with the Glasgow side, Partick Thistle operate Frame Football Scotland for children. Having recently returned from a trip taking part in a tournament organised by Newcastle United Frame Football, they welcome boys and girls with walking difficulties to Glasgow’s west end.

help the more emerging leagues, such as the amputee game which is still in its infancy.

With raised enthusiasm and excitement around the Scottish Game here are some things football fans north of the border can look out for and get involved in.

The amputee game is growing faster than ever after it was first introduced to Scotland through the charity Finding Your Feet in 2016, with it now playing under the Scotland Amputee FA.

mental health, powerchair, dwarfism, blind and visual impairment football.

The hope is to improve inclusivity and equality in the game, while also offering opportunities to promote the health and social benefits associated with football.

Leagues for various elements of the game have been up and running and are successful already, with the Amputee Football League, Frame Football Festivals, National Deaf Futsal League, PAN Para-Football National League, National Powerchair Football League, Mental Health and Wellbeing National League with support from the SFA upping participation and awareness.

But by bringing them under one unified badge, it is hoped that greater support will

Having enjoyed an international against the Netherlands last year, the amputees are now preparing for their next international in May by looking for a bespoke crutch designer after a generous donation was made to provide the side with special blue crutches.

Having begun life with just one side in the shape of Partick Thistle, they have expanded to two teams with Dundee United in the east. A number of clubs have expressed interest in involvement, with the association looking to up participation to

Powerchair Football Scotland are on the hunt for budding referees. The SPFA run a national league, League Cup and Scottish Cup competitions, and on 19-20 May, the governing body are running a weekend of powerchair football and are looking for referees committed to attending matches and help grow the professionalism of the game. Contact info@thespfa.org for more information.

For any Scottish footballer, pulling on the dark blue of their country and representing their nation is an honour to treasure and often a privilege earned.

But for footballers with cerebral palsy, stroke survivors or acquired brain injuries, CP Football Scotland are recruiting. With pathways as far as Parlympic level with GB, the opportunities are endless, get in touch with them on Twitter @CPfootball_SCO. The Scottish Deaf FA have also enjoyed a happy start to 2018. After their annual Deaf Football Festival in Toryglen’s Regional Football Centre in February, their national futsal league is also underway, with a number of teams across the central belt.

Do you have disability football opportunities in Scotland? Let us know by emailing colette@2apublishing.co.uk.

“THE SCOTTISH FA IS COMMITTED TO ENSURE THE GAME IN SCOTLAND CAN TRULY BE “FOOTBALL FOR ALL” AND IN 2017 LAUNCHED ITS NEW STRATEGY PLAYABILITY...”

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& CE Y VI ER ER IV S EL N D IO K T U LEC L CO

Adapted vehicles you can rent About us

Mobility Vehicle Hire Ltd is a daily rental company specifically servicing the specialist requirements of disabled drivers and passengers throughout the United Kingdom and are established suppliers of specifically adapted vehicles to cater for the needs of disabled drivers and passengers. Vehicles can be hired on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, and they also provide a door-to-door delivery and collection service. The company has a large portfolio of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) and adapted cars which are sure to exceed your expectations.

New Showroom

The accessible vehicle specialists saw the opening of their bespoke new premises in Birmingham, located close to junction 7 of the M6, opened by Simon Weston CBE, who was voted one of the Nation’s Favourite Heroes and honoured as one of the top 100 Welsh Heroes, stemming from his charitable work. The new premises are wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking, and features a stunning new demonstration room for customers to view and try any of the vehicles Mobility Vehicle Hire has in the showroom. Simon was joined by the Mayor of Walsall, Marco Longhi, and Graham Footer, chief executive of Disabled Motoring UK. Vehicles on offer sport many adaptations, including infra-red controls, left foot accelerator, boot mounted scooter hoists, push pull hand controls, drive from and ride upfront vehicles, extended pedals and much more. In addition, Mobility Vehicle Hire can provide all sizes of WAVs, with either a rear ramp or an electric tail lift on larger vehicles. All Mobility Vehicle Hire rental vehicles are provided with a full 24-hour breakdown assistance service in the UK. The company will endeavour to beat any other quote you may receive and provide a high level of service throughout your hire.

Try Before You Buy

Mobility Vehicle Hire also provides PIP transition support: if you have been unsuccessful with your transition from DLA to PIP, the company can offer you a vehicle of your choice, included in a bespoke package tailored for your requirements. They can supply you with a short-term rental whilst you may want to go through your appeal process or alternatively, a long-term solution with a vehicle of your choice. The company also offers a Try Before You Buy scheme, which allows customers to hire a vehicle for three days, and, if it meets their needs, take out a long-term lease on it. The customer’s three-day lease will then be refunded from the on-going cost, providing a no obligation opportunity to ensure the vehicle is right for the customer.

Call 0845 293 2799 or email customersupport@specialistvehiclerental.co.uk to arrange a visit.

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29/03/2018 15:04

Words by Colette Carr

SIGNPOSTS FOR SUCCESS Between the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in PyeongChang these past two months, the young, the old and even Mr T have been gripped by curling.

C

urling is often likened to a game of chess, demanding focus, skill and a steely mentality. It also, however, is a team and social sport requiring constant clear and concise communication between teammates to come out on top.

For deaf curlers though, this can be tricky.

But alongside Heriot Watt University staff in Edinburgh, Scottish Curling’s Disability Curling Development Officer Helen Kallow has been pushing the boundaries for these curlers, helping to develop proposed British Sign Language signs to support deaf curlers.

“It has taken a while to get to this point,” she began.

“I’ve been in my role for a year now trying to find someone to help make these signs and get it off the ground.

thanks to the wheelchair curlers out in PyeongChang but lamented the lack of opportunity and experience for curlers with other impairments.

“Speaking to deaf curlers, they have said they feel excluded because it is a social game.

“When I started I looked for areas that needed development and spoke to a lot of people, including a curler who uses a cochlear implant.

“IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO SEE THE PARALYMPIC CURLING, BUT THERE’S NO GREAT SCOPE TO WIDEN THE IMPAIRMENTS YET.

“We started working with Graham Turner from the university who is really passionate about it and a colleague of his Gary Quinn who is deaf.

“We worked with the School of Languages and Intercultural Studies, and got a group together of deaf curlers, deaf people and BSL users and had some intense sessions to create signs.

“We firstly categorised it so we could come up with signs for proposals that were needed for deaf people to take part in para curling and a lot of gesturing is used in curling anyway,” Helen said.

Helen also spoke of the importance of the current exposure of disability curling

“We sent a team to the Deaf World Championships several years ago, but people still felt excluded.

“It is really important to see the Paralympic curling, but there’s no great scope to widen the impairments yet. It’s relatively new in that it was only introduced in 2006, so at national level I was employed to look at all disabilities, not just wheelchair curling which has the highest participation rate.”

But the creative licence involved in the process has made it an enjoyable one for Helen, who is excited to see it now grow further beyond its infancy.

“We have looked at what terms are most important and integral to the game, including equipment, parts of the surface and descriptions so it is quite a bit of work, but our next step now is to come together again and invite more BSL users to use these proposed signs and see how they are received,” Helen added. scottishcurling.org

Images © Scottish Curling

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23/03/2018 13:01

www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor

Calvert Trust Exmoor enables people of and to experience exciting, challenging, and enjoyable accessible activity holidays with family and friends.

At our five star, fully accessible residential centre on the edge of Exmoor National Park all activities and facilities are specifically designed and equipped to cater for everyone.

Stay with us for a few days, a week, or just for the day; however long you’re here you’ll discover CAN

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Near to Loch Lomond Sleeps up to 6 people Ensuite wetroom with shower chairs provided Hoist and profiling bed with airflow mattress Accessible landscaped garden Pets welcome Open all year Wi-Fi

To book your stay call 0141 427 7686 or email info@sisonline.org

29/03/2018 15:04

GOLD COAST 2018

Words by Colette Carr

GOING FOR GOLD If you’re feeling the chill from all the Winter Paralympic action and are dreaming of warmer climes, don’t worry, the heatwave of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games is finally upon us.

I

t’s the return of the “friendly games” after an extremely successful outing at Glasgow 2014 just four short years ago and following the lead of the Scottish Games, this month brings the most inclusive Games ever.

300 para athletes and 38 medal events will take place across seven adapted sports - an increase of 45% more athletes and 73% more medals compared to the para sport programme staged at Glasgow in 2014. Furthermore, there will be an equal number of both men’s and women’s events in the Australian city.

The Games will see para events in

athletics, swimming, lawn bowls, powerlifting, track cycling, table tennis and triathlon across 4-15 April with the action live on the BBC. The Gold Coast will also see two new para events make their Commonwealth debut with the first ever wheelchair marathon (T54) and a paratriathlon following the success of its non-disabled counterpart’s first outing at Glasgow 2014.

In preparation for the Games, we have put together our quickfire tidbits of knowledge to help keep you on top of the Games.

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GOLD COAST 2018 NUMBERS

1930

GLASGOW 2014 MEMORIES

HOME NATION ONES TO WATCH

Before looking forward, we need to look back. If Glasgow 2014 gave para sport anything, it is the confidence that para athletes can steal the show.

01

The then most inclusive Games’ home para athletes enjoyed great success that captured the media attention and viewers’ hearts. In front of a hot, sweaty and packed Tollcross International Swimming Centre capacity crowd, the youngest ever Team Scotland member, 13-year-old Erraid Davies from the Shetland Islands, sealed bronze in the SB8 100m breaststroke after training in a pool a quarter of the size. Her infectious smile from the pool as she read the result on the board was splashed over the front pages of all the major papers the next morning as she stole the attention from Olympic champions who swam before her. With more awareness and admiration for our para athletes than ever before, be prepared for more show-stopping moments from para athletes.

First Commonwealth Games is held in Hamilton, Canada

71

After throwing all our support behind GB last month in South Korea, it’s time for things to get personal, as teammates become rivals, supporters become haters and friends become enemies. They may be known as “the friendly games”, but the competition will be fierce.

02

The Commonwealth Games can have that edge over Paralympic cycles, as we see GB split up into the four home nations and national pride becomes even greater.

The close geographical proximity brings heated rivalry and an element of playing for pride and bragging rights.

For Team Scotland, OnTrack’s pick to watch is Sammi Kinghorn in her marathon debut, for Team Wales, we are putting our money on cyclist James Ball, our English hopes are on Ali Jawad in the powerlifting and for Northern Ireland, wheelchair sprinter Jack Agnew.

nations competing this year

12

days of competition

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WHY THE GOLD COAST?

The heat may seem like an issue, with soaring temperatures averaging at 26 degrees forecast for the intense week of competition. But while finely tuned athletes must be conditioned to perform in any climate, the warm weather actually does bring an advantage for some para athletes. Athletes with muscular conditions like cerebral palsy find their muscles soak up the heat well, relaxing them and helping them compete with more ease. While Glasgow 2014 was considered baking heat for us and known locally as “taps aff ” weather, strangely enough, Australia’s temperatures will be even better for these athletes.

03

Otherwise, the city itself is brilliantly accessible. With numerous Changing Places, accessible public travel options, accessible venues, and a new wave of assistive technology, it is fitting that the most inclusive Games yet will be held in such a welcoming city.

38

medal events across 7 para-sports

CATCH UP DOWN UNDER

HEAD TO HEADS

@SophieHahnT38 Getting in a final week of training before my first #CommonwealthGames @GC2018

There will be a few clashes of the titans on show at the Gold Coast with home nations athletes facing off, bringing back that national pride to the fore as teammates become competitors.

04

One head to head to watch out for is Wales’ James Ball and Scotland’s Neil Fachie in the visually impaired track cycling. With both heading to Oz straight from the Worlds in Rio, the competition will be fierce following the results there. Fachie’s double Glasgow 2014 gold will be at stake as he looks to defend his titles against the double 2017 World Champion.

Sophie Hahn of England will also race against a familiar face as she takes to the track against relay teammate Maria Lyle. With strong preparation behind both despite the Games coming far earlier in the season, the pair will both be competing at their first Commonwealth, upping the ante to come out on top even more.

275

events across 19 sports in total

@Sam_Kinghorn When the locals apologise for it being cold and you’re out sweating so bad you feel dizzy @Team_Scotland Our athletics team have been on the Sunshine Coast for a week now and training is in full swing #TeamScot2018 @TeamWales More of our backroom team have arrived in the Commonwealth Games Village today to prepare for @GC2018.

Only 13 days until the opening ceremony.

Follow all the action and read our preview interviews with Scotland’s Maria Lyle, England’s Sophie Hahn, Wales’ Julie Thomas and Northern Ireland’s Jack Agnew at ontrackmagazine.co.uk.

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26/03/2018 10:50

SMARTTECH

THE FUTURE OF

FITNESS Tangram Smart Fitness Rope Price: £51.99

The Memory Wire™ design keeps the earbuds hooked securely in place no matter how vigorous your workout.

This smart rope syncs with its mobile fitness platform, Smart Gym, to track your jump count, calories burned, and workout times, all while you skip. The LED lights may also allow users with a visual impairment to find skipping more accessible.

The lights added to the technology results in a fun and bright cardio workout.

Tesco.com

BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY

Every issue we bring you the best products on the market to help you achieve your fitness goals

It discreetly attaches to your clothing and has a clear voice to announce your steps and the time.

Talking Pedometer Price: £50.96 Counts your steps and records the distance you have travelled to give you a breakdown of how much exercise you have done each day. It discreetly attaches to your clothing and has a clear voice to announce your steps and the time.

amazon.co.uk

JLab Epic Sport Wireless Headphones Price: £96.99 These Bluetooth headphones have an incredible 12-hour battery life, they are also sweatproof and splash proof and the Memory Wire™ design keeps the earbuds hooked securely in place no matter how vigorous your workout.

They come with a range of ear tip sizes.

jlabaudio.co.uk

12 HOUR BATTERY 28 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

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SMARTTECH

SCRE E N D IS PLA Y

THERA-soft software Prices available on request Medicotech are delighted to launch the new THERA-soft software which gives you the addition of gaming and scene-cycling to the TIGO range of active/passive bikes. Challenge yourself to a submarine interactive experience or cycle through wellknown cities or country views from around the world, taking cycling to a whole new level.

APP REVIEW

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Nike Knitted Knee Sleeve Price: ÂŁ17.99

Prices from ÂŁ1.59 Ideal for users with limited mobility or those who want to work on muscles in isolation, the iMuscle app helps you focus on a specific area, suggesting exercises that will tone the desired area. Detailed animations of the muscle area help users better understand and follow instruction.

Available on Google Play or Apple Store

With a four-way zoned stretch that provides compression and support to the knee, fitness fans with troublesome knee joints can exercise safe in the knowledge that their knee is well supported. The breathable fabric keeps joints and muscles warm but allows air to circulate and keep the area from overheating.

Very.co.uk ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 29

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23/03/2018 13:04

THE

C

Access to sport isn’t always the easiest for disabled people.

But access to fair and competitive elite sport can be trickier yet.

WORD 30-31_Classification.indd 30

T

Words by Colette Carr

o the naked eye, Paralympic sport may just be taken as an incredible feat against the odds, an inspiration, a good news story. While branding elite athletes as inspiration fodder isn’t always intentional, it can be damaging to the movement and outsiders’ understanding of it.

And part of the misinterpretation is a lack of understanding on how the arena is organised and how classifications play an integral role in the operation.

Para sport isn’t save from controversy to get to the top of the game. Much like doping scandals that cloud everyday

sport, fingers are often pointed with following accusations of misuse of or exploiting the classification system. But while the International Paralympic Committee worked to hone their system, and the BPA have implemented changes, we look at how it effects our athletes in athletics and swimming, and ask why is it such a murky debate?

Athletics arguably has had the biggest disparities in reactions to changes, with contrasting emotions and controversy setting the agenda.

Following the IPC announcements, British Paralympic legend Tanni Grey-

26/03/2018 09:36

CLASSIFCATION

go from a T44 to T64, the GB athlete will still compete in mixed category events. But despite the upheaval, Kamlish has resigned her focus to the track.

Thompson voiced her concerns over a culture of fear, telling Parliament “It’s somewhere between bullying and control.”

When asked if the system was fit for purpose, she responded by saying, “we need to ask the question whether classification is fair and transparent and whether athletes can make an appeal or complaint in an open and fair process.

“Judged on what I have been told, I don’t believe we can confidently answer that question right now.”

The Dame’s damning verdict hasn’t been the only criticism of the amendments.

Paralympic golden girl Hannah Cockroft condemned the process as humiliating, lifting the lid of the gruelling tests to BBC 5 Live after the news that she would be reclassified.

She said; “I’ve had all the scans...

MRI scans, CAT scans. I think my worst one was I had to have electrodes attached to my spine

and then electric shocks sent up and down my legs to see which nerves worked - that pain was sickening.”

On the track, Richard Whitehead’s success at London 2017 was tinged with bitter disappointment as he laid his cards on the table in his postrace interview, expressing his discontent and disenchantment with the IPC. The blade runner made no bones about the fact he felt let down by and angry at the Committee’s decision that denies double amputees the opportunity to compete over the T42 100 metres at Tokyo 2020.

His fury was palpable saying, “For me, Paralympic sport is about inclusivity, not isolating athletes,” as he called for reconsideration to plans that left him with only one event in the next Games.

The fastest woman on one blade, Sophie Kamlish has had to deal with differing numbers her whole career.

While recent classification changes see the 21-year-old

“Ever since I started athletics it has been a mixed category event, so the changing of categories recently hasn’t done anything to change that so it’s just more numbers for people to understand,” she told OnTrack moments after racing at the Glasgow leg of the Indoors Grand Prix.

Conversely to other highprofile athletes, one face of the Paralympics has played devil’s advocate to the situation by trying to understand the justification offered.

Rio hero Kadeena Cox has competed as a T37 and T38 athlete, having undergone reclassification assessment a few times, and while she has had to push her body to its limits, she told BBC Sport, “It’s not a nice process - it’s exhausting and a very draining thing to go through, but they want to make it as fair as possible.”

With numerous changes in line for athletics at Tokyo 2020, the athletics Paralympians will be closely monitoring how the changes develop.

It’s not just the track and field that has seen Paralympians have to readjust and take in disappointing news. Swimming has also been hit by new changes and conditions.

Three-time Paralympic champion, swimmer Ollie Hynd has competed as an S8 swimmer since he was a young gun in the pool way back in 2011, but the decision to move him into the S9 category has ultimately lead to him having to withdraw from the Gold Coast at the 11th hour.

He took to Twitter to vent his frustrations saying, “I’m heartbroken and confused as to this week’s reclassification in Copenhagen.

“Whilst I appreciate that parasport classification is difficult, it is clear that there are winners and losers to the new processes.

Over the next few weeks, both myself and the team around me will be focussing on the performance framework that will give continued success to Tokyo 2020 and beyond.”

Swimmers Jonathan Fox, Matt Wylie and Jacob Leach also felt the unforgiving wrath of changes, but despite reassessments lined up for later in the year, they will have to adjust life in their new categories.

Having just scratched the surface of the debate, the controversial measures continue to rumble on with it appearing that we may just be seeing the tip of the iceberg.

And despite arguments that it maintains a fair and clean system, the question posed to Tanni Grey-Thompson remains. Is it fit for purpose?  ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 31

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NUTRITION

EAT TRAIN REST REPEAT 04

01

FUEL UP Treat your body like a car and understand that you need to fuel it up before exerting energy. Carbs and proteins are your friends and should be consumed in some form prior to a workout to ensure a steady release of energy, to keep your glycogen stores stocked up and to help avoid putting your body into a catabolic state in which it breaks down muscle protein. Try munching a banana half an hour before your work out – it is a great source of natural sugar, simple carbohydrates and potassium. If you are planning to eat a proper meal before you work out, ensure you leave a couple of hours before you start exercising.

You can’t go wrong with the staple chicken, rice and vegetable combo.

NANAS A B

NUTRITION TIPS ICKEN CH

CE RI

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR WORK OUT

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NUTRITION

02

03

CHOOSE THE JUICE

MUNCH DOWN

Forget expensive sports drinks that claim to ‘improve performance’ and stick to water. Nutritionist Emma Brown says: “My rule of thumb is simple: if you’re exercising heavily for longer than an hour, you can easily and cheaply rehydrate and replace any lost minerals by drinking a glass containing half water, half fresh orange juice and a pinch of salt.”

Time to replace all that energy you burned off. Depending on how hard a workout you have had, think a healthy pasta dish, some tasty tatties or pulses and grains to refuel your body post workout and add in some protein in the form of chicken, fish or eggs. Joe Wicks has some delicious post workout recipes that are healthy and quick to prepare, follow him on Instagram @thebodycoach.

OR

E

GE JUIC AN

FISH

EGGS

04

WAT E R I S A WINNER Water is the juice of the gods. It is essential to keep hydrated while exercising as water pretty much does everything in your body, from regulating your body temperature and lubricating your joints to transporting nutrients in and waste products out of your cells.

Ensure you keep sipping water throughout your work out to keep hydrated.

“IF YOU ARE NOT EXERCISING THAT LONG, DO YOUR HEALTH – AND YOUR PURSE – A FAVOUR AND INSTEAD DRINK A GLASS OF COLD WATER. ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 33

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23/03/2018 13:06

Words by Katie Campbell

WAR ON

ICE

Caught the bug for para hockey at the Paralympics? April marks the start of the new British Para Ice Hockey Association season. Here’s everything you need to know to get into the new season and fall in love with the fast paced skill game all over again.

34 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

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23/03/2018 13:08

MANCHESTER MAYHEM

05

SHEFFIELD STEELKINGS

04

Last season marked an important milestone for the Sheffield Steelkings: after two and a half seasons, they won their very first game, defeating the Manchester Mayhem 10-2 in front of a packed arena of fans at IceSheffield.

With the oldest player on the ice in their team as well as the most women, the diverse squad are ready to replicate the success they saw in the 2017 season.

Player Jake Oakley and the team are ready for the challenge the upcoming season will bring: “The Sheffield Steelkings are about to embark on their fourth season playing para ice hockey and we couldn’t be more excited,” Jake said.

“We are working very hard on the ice to be a competitive team in the league and prove that our success last season is simply the start of our

quest for a league title.

“It may take a few years to achieve our goal but we are constantly finding new players who want to play and it’s only a matter of time before we get our hands on some silverware.”

CARDIFF HUSKIES

03

“If we can rectify that this season, we could possibly be considering chasing our first ever league title in the second half of the season where historically we have always been at our strongest.”

Believed to be the oldest para hockey club in the UK, the Cardiff Huskies boasts a number of international players, and has developed nine Team GB players.

Despite a valiant effort in last year’s playoffs, the Huskies found themselves at the mercy of the Manchester Mayhem, who beat them 5-0 in the playoff final.

Captain Paul Furber is ready to tackle

the upcoming season, hoping his team can improve on their second-place finish in 2017: “At the end of last season I felt proud of the teams effort where we finished second in the league and runners up in the playoffs. I also felt quite proud of myself when I picked up four Man of the Match awards.

“The preparations for this season have gone very well. We have worked hard

on our fitness and also on our team play on the ice, making sure we work together on the same plan. I have changed my sledge setup this season by rising my seat up, so I’m sat higher in the sledge and to help me push off quicker.”

The Peterborough Phantoms are, without a doubt, the most successful para hockey team in the UK. Having won the league four times and the playoffs three times, the team are seasoned veterans and prepared for just about anything.

Callum Shakespeare, who did not play last season due to injury, knows however that the team will be back swinging this season, and are aiming to

add more silverware to their collection: ‘’I am excited about the new season coming up with the strength of the Phantoms Team. Last year a team with many new players gave a good and strong showing against teams with a solid and established line up and with that experience under their belts our “graduated” rookies are going to help propel Phantoms Para Ice Hockey Team towards the cup.

“I am proud to have been involved last year off the ice, but nothing is as exciting as being back where I belong on the ice with such an accomplished and outstanding team this year.

League winners the Kingston Kestrels were almost untouchable last season, winning all eight of their games before heading to the playoffs. The team were a force to be reckoned with, until the Manchester Mayhem cut them down in their prime, putting them out of the playoffs in their first game.

Still, their achievement was an incredible one, with the Kestrels

being the ones to beat last season.

The team will be hoping to continue this into the 2018 season.

Team GB members Matt Woolias and Matt Clarkson will bring a sense of seasoned professionalism for the upcoming season, with player/coach Simon Berry bringing leadership on the ice that’s needed to ensure the team can not only repeat last year’s fantastic performance, but go further

PETERBOROUGH PHANTOMS

02

their inaugural year.

What will the Mayhem do to improve for this season? D-man Graham Wilson knows the key to protecting their title is to start like they mean to go on: “After finally getting it together for the playoffs at the end of the season, we are hoping to come out of the blocks firing on all cylinders this season as our curse has always been a slow start.

KINGSTON KESTRELS

01

Last season was a year of rebirth for the Manchester Mayhem. In 2016, the team – then named the Manchester Phoenix – finished fourth in the league but folded soon after.

The fight in the club wasn’t dead yet: from the ashes of the Phoenix came the Manchester Mayhem.

In a 5-0 trouncing, the Manchester Mayhem beat the Cardiff Huskies to be crowned playoff champions in

Photo credits: Peter Best Photography; Paul Woolias

34-35_ParaIceHockey.indd 35

 FIRST GAME: 22 April Manchester v Kingston (at Widnes)  FIRST AWAY GAME: 12 May Peterborough v Manchester

 FIRST MATCH: 12 May Kingston v Sheffield  FIRST HOME MATCH: 3 June Sheffield v Peterborough

 FIRST MATCH: 26 May Kingston v Cardiff  FIRST HOME MATCH: 23 June Cardiff v Sheffield

 FIRST MATCH: 12 May

Peterborough v Manchester

 FIRST AWAY MATCH: 3 June Sheffield v Peterborough

and win the coveted playoff trophy, too. These faces may be familiar to avid watchers of The Last Leg, with members of the team having coached Adam Hills and co in what it takes to be a para hockey star.  FIRST MATCH: 22 April Manchester v Kingston  FIRST HOME MATCH: 12 May Kingston v Sheffield

ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 35

23/03/2018 13:08

QUESTION 1 What is your earth element?

A) Air ..........................

B) Water.....................

C) Earth......................

D) Fire ........................

QUESTION 4 Pick a weekend pastime A) Netflix (and chill,still) ..........

B) Yoga .......................

C) The track ...............

D) Socialising .............

AT YOUR H W D E AL IS? ONDER EVER WSS SPIRIT ANIMRE! FITNE NDER NO MO WO QUESTION 3 QUESTION 2 What are you ay id l o h a watching?

Pick n io t a in t s e d A) Netflix (and chill)..... holiday A) Spa/beach B) Blue Planet ............ .. .. .. .. .. .. .. rk a p r B) Wate C) Documentaries on g in k e C) Thrill se serial killers ............ ......... holiday ............

D) Sky Sports .............. p u ro D) G ......... backpacking ..

QUESTION 5

Pick a song

A) Don’t Worry, Be Happy Bobby McFerrin ..............

B) Under the Sea -

Sebastian (Little Mermaid) ........

C) Runnin’ - Naughty Boy

and Beyonce ...................

D) She Wolf - Shakira ........

QUESTION 6 Pick a life motto

A) Here for a good time,

not a long time! .............

B) Go with the flow! .......

C) Be the best you,

you can be! .......................

D) There’s no ‘I’ in team!

36 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

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QUESTION 7 What Friend are you?

A) Joey Tribbiani........

B) Phoebe Buffay ......

C) Monica Geller Bing .

D) Chandler Bing.......

QUESTION 10 What is your coffee shop order?

A) A Hot chocolate ...... (with cream and marshmallows, obviously)

B) A super juice ...........

C) A double espresso .

D) A pot of tea .............

12 QUESTION your What is fast break order?

on of A) A selecti...................... pastries almon and s d e k o m S B) ggs............ poached e . .................... e g id r r o P ) C up D) A full fry nds ................ with frie

QUESTION 8

ur What is yo star sign? corn, A) Libra, Capri ............

Sagittarius ..

B) Aquarius, er.........

Pisces, Canc , C) Leo, Scorpio............

Taurus.......... ini, D) Virgo, Gem ...........

Aries..............

QUESTION 9 Pick a sporting hero

A) Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor..........

B) Michael ‘Mr Olympics’ Phelps ...

C) Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt .........................

D) Lionel ‘Greatest of All Time’ Messi .......................

QUESTION 11 Pick a game show

A) Countdown ...........

B) Total Wipeout ........

C) The Chase .............

D) The Crystal Maze..

ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 37

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26/03/2018 09:34

s MOSTLY A th!

You Are a slt o assassin. Not

ng of a silen You’re somethi t, your fastest or loudes necessarily the endurance rves you well in chilled nature se ess and es. Your awaren sports and gam n you movements mea slow deliberate take a ctician. You can are a master ta lf from remove yourse step back and nce and live joy the experie competition, en caught up without getting in the moment u don’t take around you. Yo in the madness know your ly but definitely life too serious strengths.

MOSTLY Cs You Are a Cheetah!

The fastest animal on land - fast, focused and nimble, you know exactly what you want and won’t stop until you get it! A cheetah never changes its spots and everything is a competition to you. Your athleticism and hunger allow you to take charge of your life, but despite your intense competitive side, your proud nature raises your competition

MOSTLY Bs You Are a FISH!

You’re a water baby, baby! You are definitely very at home in the water. Free flowing and relaxed when you want to be, you can also race and fight against the current when you need to. Your speed and strength in the water is impressive, but your prowess is balanced out with your easy going, stoic nature. Don’t listen to those who call you cold blooded, you have the perfect balance between going it alone and staying with your school.

MOSTLY Ds You are a wolf!

Forget everything you know about the lone wolf – you like to hunt in a pack! Fiercely loyal and protective, you like to raise those around you and enjoy experiences with the ones that mean the most to you, you know both when to take charge and be a leader and when it’s best to take a back seat and listen to others. You never leave a man behind, are loving and emotional, and we want you in our corner!

38 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

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26/03/2018 09:35

n rac ? sn his ho youn drac li e? osns end i e his ho onyou your d liaccessible e o s end i e holiday? on your accessible holiday?

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Athletics Series 2018 Kingston upon Thames 7th & 8th April York - 12th May

Knowledge and understanding of what Cerebral Palsy is, the opportunities within disability sport and give guidance and advice to those who lead sport and physical activity.

Gloucester - 9th June

Thursday 10th May 6 - 9pm

National Championships Doncaster - 1st September

Saturday 8th September 10am - 1pm Thursday 29th November 12pm - 3pm

Find out more about these and all our other events at www.cpsport .org

Find us on: @CP_Sport

Contact us: Unit 5, Heathcoat Building, Nottingham Science & Technology Park, University Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2QJ. Registered Charity Number: 1088600

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29/03/2018 15:04

CLUB FOCUS

Taking a look at the clubs up and down the country that promote disability sport

WHEELPOWER

MAKING SPORT ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL BRITISH WHEELCHAIR SPORT

A

s the national charity for wheelchair sport, WheelPower aims to develop, provide and promote opportunities for disabled people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in sport and physical activity, and lead healthy, active lives!

From sporting novices to Paralympic medallists, we support participation at all levels and have done so for over 60 years.

We recognise that sport and physical activity can enrich the lives of disabled people, offering a multitude of physical and psychological benefits.

During 2016/17 WheelPower supported 78, 259 disabled people.

We hosted 18 sports camps across the United

Kingdom, which gave 857 disabled children the opportunity to discover a range of sports in a safe, welcoming and friendly environment. Meanwhile, our home facility – Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement – welcomed 485, 753 people, who enjoyed sport and activity on the premises during this time.

WheelPower organises an annual programme of sports events.

These events offer an introduction to a variety of activities for disabled people and also offer more experienced sports participants the opportunity to progress and receive specialised coaching.

For more information or to book onto one of these events, please visit www.wheelpower.org.uk 40 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

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23/03/2018 13:10

EXPERIENCES Two recent attendees at our sports events have shared their experiences.

EVENTS

Here are WheelPower’s upcoming sports events in 2018.

KIZZY DAVIDSON Eleven-year-old Kizzy Davidson was diagnosed with left side hemiplegia at birth.

She discovered WheelPower’s junior sports events while watching a television documentary, and was keen to get involved. She has not looked back since.

“I really love the WheelPower sports camps because I meet other kids that have different disabilities. As there are so many sports on offer, I get to try them all and that keeps me fit and healthy. I also enjoy competing with other kids with disabilities because we can all relate to one another,“ Kizzy explains.

She believes that, through her

involvement in WheelPower’s junior sports programme, she will be able to achieve her goal of staying active and healthy despite her disability.

“I want to be healthy. I don’t want to be sat in the corner watching others do things. I want to have friends. I want other kids to know what it’s like to have a physical disability so that they can know more about it; I don’t want them to pity me, I just want them to understand the challenges that I face!

“If I’m given the opportunity to take part in sport, through events such as the WheelPower camps, then people can see that there are things I can do and that they shouldn’t feel sorry for me!”

16-20 April INTER SPINAL UNIT GAMES

Stoke Mandeville Stadium

23 May FEEL INSPIRED PRIMARY CAMP Norwich

7 June FEEL INSPIRED JUNIOR CAMP

Brunel University, London

FRANCESCA ANTONIAZZI WheelPower’s Inter Spinal Unit Games brings together people with spinal cord injuries for a week of sport at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Francesca Antoniazzi attended the 2017 event and has reaped the rewards for her involvement.

Francesca explains: “I loved the Inter Spinal Unit Games! I was a sporty person before my accident so this was a great opportunity to see which sports I could participate in now that I use a wheelchair. I also managed to meet a lot of people who were in the same situation as me and that

was encouraging.

“At the event I heard that WheelPower’s donor, the Wheelwrights charity, were offering grants for people to apply for a sports wheelchair.

I applied and was fortunate enough to receive a RGK Elite basketball chair which was custom made. I now move a lot faster, turn better and it has just made my movements a lot easier!

“WheelPower has helped me towards reaching my sporting goals. I would encourage others to get in touch as they have been really helpful as an organisation.”

14-15 June FEEL INSPIRED JUNIOR CAMP

Stoke Mandeville Stadium

1-4 October NATIONAL JUNIOR GAMES

Stoke Mandeville Stadium

20 October GET ACTIVE CAMP Stoke Mandeville Stadium

ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 41

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30/03/2018 08:23

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ACCESS SUCCESS This issue Danny Greenwood from Platinum Stairlifts tells us about the inspirational work of Emily Yates and her trip to Rio.

Words by Danny Greenwood, Platinum Stairlifts

A

s Platinum Stairlifts take users to the next level of their home, we want to help users take other aspects of their lives to the next level too. We have started working with Emily Yates who is a fantastic inspiration for anyone with accessibility issues. A simple step can turn into a mountain and, because of this, travelling can become a daunting thought. It’s all well and good saying you can take your life to the next level, but we want to go further by giving a platform to people who have conquered these mountains. Have a read of how stairlift user Emily Yates became a key part of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games: “As soon as I landed in Rio de Janeiro at the end of 2013, I knew it was to become my second much-loved home.

I had been invited there as part of the British Consulate’s ‘Britain is Great’ campaign to present my background, biggest achievements and work as an accessibility consultant and budding travel writer. I had even cleaned my wheelchair and dyed my hair from its usual pink hue to a perfectly professional brown for the occasion.

There were around thirty government officials in the room and I was ridiculously nervous, but one man in the centre of the

audience kept nodding, laughing at my mediocre jokes and smiling in the right places. Half way through my speech, though, I lost my encourager, who had started to type on his phone. Trying not to show my disappointment, I carried on and finished my speech. He then stood up, apologised for being distant; he’d been texting his manager and wanted to offer me a job as an accessibility consultant at the company he works for, MetroRio, the underground transport system of Rio De Janeiro. They needed a helping hand to ensure access and inclusion was improved for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, I think I squealed by way of thanking him.

Working in Rio for the next three years with MetroRio and travel writing on the accessibility of the city for Lonely Planet, was without doubt my biggest challenge and greatest achievement to

date. Navigating my way around, mostly alone, wasn’t easy; I was in a beautiful, brilliant but totally alien city, I only spoke a few words of Portuguese, and, as a wheelchair user, relied on the successes of my own work as much as anyone else! “How did you do it?” so many of my friends and family asked me. In truth, I think the fact that I wasn’t always 100% safe, that not every taxi driver could cater to my requirements, and that I had to trust someone to balance me on a steep escalator so that I could see Christ the Redeemer in all his glory are all the things that I now think of most fondly because they kept me feeling alive, encouraged me to push for change and progress, and made that satisfaction as I watched Paralympic athletes travel around the city so smoothly all the sweeter.”

Read more at platinumstairlifts.com/brazil

42 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

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NAIDEX

GETTING SPORTY AT NAIDEX TAKING A LOOK AT WHAT’S ON OFFER AT NAIDEX FOR THE SPORTS FAN

I

n light of the Winter Paralympics, it is an ideal time to reflect on the topic of sport and disability. According to the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS), seven out of 10 disabled people want to be more active, but more than a third of the disabled population in the UK do less than 30 minutes of exercise per week (Active Lives Survey 2015-2016). Physical exercise is tremendously important both for the body and mind, as it affects confidence and happiness. EFDS have discovered that psychological barriers are the biggest barrier to taking part in sports for disabled people. Naidex, Europe’s leading event for disability and independent living, always seeks the betterment of its visitors’ quality of life, that is why this year will see the return of the ever-popular feature…

THE LIVE SPORTS ARENA As one of the most successful features last year, the arena will have even more prominence at this year’s show! The area is now 168m², and over two days will host a variety of activities with the aim of increasing the exposure and awareness of several sports including boccia, powerchair football, goalball, para-taekwondo, yoga and more! This is the opportunity for members of the public to discover a new passion and be more active, a key component to a healthy and happy life.

Naidex will also be introducing various

the problems, best practice, and opportunities associated with employing disabled people. The panel will be hosted by Disability Horizon’s CEO Martyn Sibley and will feature the CEOs of Disability Rights UK, the Business Disability Forum, Change and Microlink PC.

TRY, TEST AND GET INVOLVED!

new features to make sure visitors receive the greatest experience and find out all there is to know about the future of independent living.

MAKE YOUR HOME ACCESSIBLE The Home, Design & Build Summit is a brand new feature sure to be awash with activity as world-class speakers and exhibitors provide an exploration of accessibility in the built environment.

From home adaptations and functional interior design, to legislation, funding, and designing for care, the Summit will push the boundaries of accessibility in your home.

HOW EMPLOYABLE ARE YOU? For the very first time, Naidex will be hosting an Employability Panel Debate within the event in order to discuss

Naidex provides the perfect platform to try the latest products, services and technologies, with thousands of live demos as well as the return of interactive features such as the Mobility Test Track.

The Track will provide visitors with a simulated course to test the latest mobility products that are currently available on the market - the perfect chance to try before you buy!

This year will boast over 300 of the latest products and services that are currently shaping the disability, rehabilitation and independent living sectors, as well as 200 engaging seminars giving an insight into the future of disability. The 44th edition of Naidex promises to be the best disability and independent living event of the year combining exciting interactive features, incredible networking opportunities, captivating demonstrations and best of all, Naidex is completely free to attend!

Register for your free ticket now at naidex.co.uk ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 45

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BOCCIA

ALL YOU NEED STEPHEN MCGUIRE

Boccia world champion Stephen McGuire is relishing the prospect of another rousing home crowd, as he prepares to build for the World Championships to visit his second hometown, Liverpool in August.

Words by Colette Carr

T

he 33-year-old Hamilton native, spoke about defending his title at Scottish Disability Sport’s West Para Sport Festival in Motherwell, where he was drafted in to help inspire the 98 children from mainstream schools to take up one of the many para sports on offer.

And despite narrowly missing out on a podium place in his first Paralympics in London, McGuire can’t wait to taste the British atmosphere once again as Merseyside welcomes the world.

“We start our season next week which will all be building up to Liverpool and the World Championships,” he said.

“I won the World Championships two years ago in Beijing, so to play in a World Championships in a home town – half my family is from Liverpool – means I really can’t wait, it’s going to be awesome.”

Despite appreciating the privileged position he has enjoyed, circling the globe playing the sport he loves, that capacity crowd in London will be hard to ever replicate according to McGuire, but he can’t wait to be able to play in front of his loved ones and help raise boccia’s profile on his own turf.

“Having it in your own back garden is very special. I went to London 2012 and nothing will beat that and that environment.

“We were playing in front of full arenas of 5000 plus, and even though they may not have understood the sport, they loved the performance of the athletes and getting so close so the cheers were going up.”

Liverpool will be the first ticketed major event in the UK for boccia McGuire tells, leaving him hopeful that the crowds will

46 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

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BOCCIA

IS BOCCIA

come and see the fierce competitiveness that the international arena brings. In Rio, the medals were shared amongst countries from Europe, Asia and the Americas while more countries in Oceania and Africa are taking part in BISFed sanctioned competitions every year.

“We travel the world and it’s hard for family to come and watch you play, because you’re in Beijing or Rio or wherever and they can’t see you so this gives a great chance for family and friends to come and watch, and hopefully grow the sport a little bit.”

McGuire spoke to OnTrack after meeting many children who had tried their hand at boccia for the first time. Groups of children with visual impairments, those in wheelchairs, powerchairs and ambulant kids hung onto his every word as he shared his inspiration and success.

“Things like the para sports festivals are fantastic.

“They didn’t really have this when I started, and I’ve been playing for twelve years, but for the last few years this has grown and to see so many athletes coming through and trying different sports is the key because if you find a sport you love you can take it to any level.

“These days work because when I started I didn’t know what boccia was but before I knew it I was hooked and was off to the Europeans and travelling the world so there are opportunities out there, and when you talk about mainstream schools these days are great because maybe they don’t get to participate in disability sport so much and this brings it all together.”

His high praise of the venture continued with his admiration for the work SDS do in bringing para sport to children who wouldn’t necessarily see it otherwise and in the part they played in his own career.

“One of the key things about disability sport is that it is very inclusive. Scottish

Disability Sport have a great team of mentors and coaches and to be honest I wouldn’t be here without the stuff they do.

“Boccia is played from a wheelchair but the great thing about it being so inclusive is that all you need is a chair. A lot of the kids here can walk but they can sit in a chair and be just as competitive as someone in a wheelchair or powerchair – it’s a level playing field.

“Boccia is very unique in that it doesn’t have an Olympic equivalent, so you don’t see it outwith any para event so it’s great for people to come along and see it,” he added.

The day just so happened to take part as our Winter Paralympians enjoyed the Opening Ceremony over 5000 miles away in PyeongChang, but despite their being no winter sports available at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Centre, he hoped the day would inspire the kids to follow the Paralympic action as it happened.

“If you get the bug for disability sport, you will go away and research what you are physically able to do and I have a few friends out in PyeongChang in the wheelchair curling, so I’ll be tuning in and hopefully some of these guys will too.

“There is some good talent here and I really hope they push through and strive for whatever they want to do,” he added.

The World Boccia Championships takes place at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre, 9-19 August 2018.

“FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS THIS HAS GROWN AND TO SEE SO MANY ATHLETES COMING THROUGH AND TRYING DIFFERENT SPORTS IS THE KEY BECAUSE IF YOU FIND A SPORT YOU LOVE YOU CAN TAKE IT TO ANY LEVEL.” ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 47

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23/03/2018 13:12

TRAINING FOR TOKYO

Stuart Meikle is 43, a father of three and runs his own business. He is now planning to take on another challenge, setting his sights firmly on competing in the paratriathlon at Tokyo 2020.

48 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

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23/03/2018 13:12

PARATRIATHLON

H

aving only run his first 10k on a blade in July 2017, Stuart has been accepted onto the British Paratriathlon Talent Squad to compete for a place with Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Stuart made incredible progression over a short period of time and began training for triathlons in September 2017. Shortly after that, he was invited to a trial by British Paratriathlon in Loughborough and in February 2018 was accepted onto the Talent Squad.

Stuart took part in British Triathlon’s Paratriathlon Talent Camp at Loughborough University on 9 - 11 March where he worked closely with the Paralympic Talent Development Team to devise a programme that will help to develop Stuart as a paratriathlete and his chance at future success.

Stuart had his right leg amputated when he was just six months old due to complications. He has always had a passion for sport: “I’ve never let my disability stop me from achieving my goals; I played numerous sports as a child and when I got older I got into coaching both rugby and football. I’ve always been a keen mountain biker but only really saw it as a hobby.”

“My kids are great runners and run for a local club with my wife and that’s where my journey into competitive sports began. I supported my family at the Great North Run 2016 and got to see incredible athletes like Mo Farah, but I was most inspired by the runners at the back – the

ones that were struggling but through the support of those around them still managed to complete the race.”

This spurred Stuart on to find out more about how he could secure a running blade so he too could take part in gruelling endurance races.

accepted onto the British Paratriathlon Squad to compete for a place at the next Summer Paralympic Games that take place in Tokyo in 2020.

“I decided to go to my local prosthetic hospital to speak to them about a blade, with the initial aim of completing the Great North Run in 2017. I began training and took part in a number of local 10ks; it was then that I was approached about taking part in a paratriathlon.”

“I’m absolutely astounded that I could have got this far so quickly, and I’m delighted to have been accepted onto the Talent Squad. My family have been my inspiration throughout and I’m just so thankful for their support. I can’t wait for the Championships in July – it’s going to take a lot of hard work and training but I’m so excited to start my journey as part of the British Paratriathlon Squad and start winning some medals.”

In just a few short months Stuart was training hard in all three disciplines of paratriathlon; running, swimming and cycling. In February this year he was

Stuart’s first competition as part of the British Paratriathlon Talent Squad will be at the British Paratriathlon Championships in July 2018.  ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 49

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26/03/2018 09:39

S AM M I K IN G H O R N

This issue we speak to IPC world champion and Commonwealth medal hopeful, wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn.

LAST LAP THE INTERVIEW

HI SAMMI! YOU’RE IN AUSTRALIA GETTING READY FOR THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES AT THE MOMENT. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE AND LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE GREAT NATION OF OZ?

The best thing is the animals, I went to Australia Zoo. It’s by far the best zoo I’ve ever been to. I’ve not really decided what my least favourite thing is yet if I had to choose one I would say when I came here I expected just sunshine and it hasn’t half proved that when it rains it rains.

“I ONCE TOLD MY LITTLE COUSIN THAT I WAS BITTEN BY A SHARK THAT’S WHY I HAVE A SCAR ON MY BACK, HE CRIED AND I HAD TO APOLOGISE.” 50

|

THAT DROPS OUT OF TREES AND ATTACKS YOU. WHAT’S THE BEST LIE YOU’VE EVER TOLD?

That’s very funny, I’ve never heard of that! I once told my little cousin that I was bitten by a shark that’s why I have a scar on my back, he cried and I had to apologise.

YOU POST SOME ABSOLUTELY AMAZING LOOKING FOOD ON INSTAGRAM. IF WE WERE GOING TO PUT ON THE SAMMI KINGHORN TRIBUTE DINNER, WHAT WOULD YOUR IDEAL MENU LOOK LIKE?

WOULD YOU RATHER BE TRAINING JUST NOW IN THE ROASTING AUSTRALIAN SUMMER OR THE BITTER SCOTTISH WINTER?

Good, now we’re talking! I’d choose a proper mix of foods. I love a prawn cocktail then some sort of chicken satay then sticky toffee pudding.

Oh I much prefer the Australian weather.

It’s amazing even when it does rain.

It’s always so warm so I’m glad I’m not training in minus degrees just now.

I READ THAT YOU GREW UP ON A FARM IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS. HOW WELL DO YOU FEEL YOU SUIT WEARING A FLATCAP?

AUSTRALIA IS OF COURSE FAMOUS FOR ITS LOVE OF VEGEMITE. ARE YOU PRO- OR ANTI-VEGEMITE?

It’s one thing I always wished I had suited but unfortunately not for me, maybe when I’m older.

I’m not enjoying the Vegemite. It’s a bit too bitter for me.

A FRIEND OF MINE, WHO’S AUSTRALIAN, RECENTLY REVEALED TO ME THAT SHE’S BEEN LYING TO ME ABOUT AUSTRALIA BEING FULL OF A MYTHICAL, DANGEROUS ANIMAL CALLED A “DROPBEAR,” WHICH IS APPARENTLY A LIE THEY TELL TOURISTS ABOUT A TERRIFYING KOALA-TYPE THING

SO LET’S SAY THE COMMONWEALTH COMMITTEE COME TO YOU AND TELL YOU THEY WANT YOU TO SUGGEST AN EVENT TO ADD TO THE GAMES. IT CAN BE LITERALLY ANYTHING. WHAT WOULD YOU PICK? I think just now I’d choose surfing I’ve watched a couple of people doing it while I’ve been out here and it’s so exciting to watch.

magazine.co.uk

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23/03/2018 14:19

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29/03/2018 27/03/2018 15:06 13:52