OnTrack - February / March 2018

February / March 2018 • Issue 12

 YOUR DISABILITY SPORTS MAGAZINE

D L O GCoast E H T O T E M O C L WE

a

eady for r g in t t e G n of the r u t e r e h t wealth Common Games

INSIDE FLY I N G T H E FL A G IN PY EONG C HANG 01_FrontCover.indd 2

02/02/2018 12:00

ads_OnTrack_febmar18.indd 2

02/02/2018 10:53

YOUR DISABILITY SPORTS MAGAZINE

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

HELLO A WORD FROM ONTRACK EDITOR, ROSALIND TULLOCH

I

n the OnTrack offices we are getting ready for the hotly anticipated Commonwealth Games, where we will see our nations pitted against each other in an ‘everyone for themselves’ style battle for glory. We bring you the lowdown on each nation’s top athletes performing in Australia’s Gold Coast this April, you can find this on page 13.

However, before we head down under for the Commonwealths, we will be treated to some snow-skilled athletes as the Winter Paralympics takes place in March in PyeongChang. The time difference may prove a struggle so you will need to set your alarms or hit record on your TV to ensure you don’t miss any of the action. Check out page 24 for our recommendations on the unmissable events.

CONTACT

Some sad news for the world of disability sport recently was the announcement that double gold medal winning Kiwi Liam Malone, was to hang up his running blades for a career in the artificial intelligence industry. We bid farewell to the witty, charismatic role model on page 34.

Ever tried karate? Or boccia? Or gymnastics for that matter? You will find all these sports featured this issue plus much more to inspire you to take up something new for 2018 and keep you active.

Image © onEdition

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

BEFORE WE HEAD DOWN UNDER FOR THE COMMONWEALTHS, WE WILL BE TREATED TO SOME SNOW-SKILLED ATHLETES AS THE WINTER PARALYMPICS TAKES PLACE IN MARCH IN PYEONGCHANG.”

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.

ISSN-2056-7146

03_Welcome.indd 3

/ontrackmagazine

S U BSCRIBE FREE

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

/ontrackmag

P49 02/02/2018 11:42

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

D L GCoOast

13

INSIDE 7 THE INSIDE TRACK

39

The latest sports news to hit the headlines

13 GOLD COAST PREVIEW Everything you need to know about Great Britain’s Commonwealth hopefuls

SMARTTECH 4

|

04-05_Contents.indd 4

magazine.co.uk

01/02/2018 16:52

49

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE NOW AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE

22 BIRMINGHAM 2022

After the Gold Coast, we return to Great Britain in 2022 for another shot at Commonwealth glory

24 WINTER PARALYMPICS

24

Get up to speed with the Winter Games before competitors hit the slopes in March

28 PLATE UP ON THE PISTE

OnTrack explores what goes into eating well before carving up the peaks

31 A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB

A look back on the greatest climbs ever achieved by disabled mountaineers

32 THE FA PEOPLE’S CUP

The nation’s largest and most accessible amateur 5-a-side competition is back for another year

34 LIAM MALONE RETIRES

Taking a look back at Liam Malone's best quotes

32

37 KUGATSU DISABILITY KARATE Breaking boards and barriers at the Glasgow karate club

38 SPORTS TECH

The latest sports tech and equipment to up your game

40 CLUB FOCUS

Get to know accessible gymnastics club Neath Afan

42 SPORT FOCUS

What is boccia? How do you even pronounce that?

OnTrack gives you the lowdown on this Paralympic sport

40

44 THROWBACK

We look back on the history of a powerful movement – the Paralympic Games

50 THE LAST LAP

We get to know swimmer and amputee footballer Iain Matthew

50 04-05_Contents.indd 5

magazine.co.uk

| 5 02/02/2018 12:10

£395 THE KUGA ZETEC

A DVA N C E

PAY M E N T

Ford Kuga Zetec with SYNC 3 DAB Navigation System and Appearance Pack from only £395* Advance Payment.

To fin d out m ore, v isit fo r d .co.uk /m ot abilit y or c all 0345 60 40 019.

T O G E T H E R

W E

G O

F U R T H E R

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Kuga range: urban 30.1- 58.9 (9.4- 4.8), extra urban 44.8-67.3 (6.3-4.2), combined 37.7-64.2 (7.5-4.4). Official CO 2 emissions 173 -115g/km.

The mpg figures quoted, sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

*£395 Advance Payment available only on Ford Kuga 1.5 TDCi 120PS FWD. SYNC 3 DAB Navigation System and Appearance Pack are subject to availability.

No cash alternatives are available. This programme is subject to the standard conditions of the Motability Scheme hire agreement. Full written details and quotations available on request from a Ford Authorised participating Dealer of Motability Operations Limited. Motability Scheme vehicles are leased to customers

by Motability Operations Limited. Motability Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 735390.

To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) and applications must be made with participating dealers between 1st January to 31st March 2018. Prices are correct at time of print, are subject to availability and may change.

ads_OnTrack_febmar18.indd 6

02/02/2018 10:54

INSIDE TRACK P9

P10

Adam Hills helps physical disability rugby league

The British Athletics team at the Virgin Money London Marathon in April

ALL THE LATEST NEWS...

Keeping you upto-date with what’s happening in the world of disability sport

P11

All the latest news and Looking forward to Tokyo 2020

MULTI-SPORT

ACTIVE ACCESS

Youth Sport Trust and Allianz Insurance join forces

T

he Youth Sport Trust and Allianz Insurance have brought together 2,580 young people with and without disabilities in a bid to get primary school children thinking about how they can be more inclusive at school.

A series of 20 mixedability, inclusive, multisport festivals have been held in the UK over the last few months to build on the legacy of the Paralympics and ensure all children have access to sport and physical activity.

The festivals offered the chance for kids to try Paralympic sports including boccia, sitting volleyball, goalball and guided athletics, as well as having a chance to make new friends.

S U B SCRI BE

Ali Oliver, chief executive of Youth Sport Trust, said: “Our aim through these festivals was to collectively strive to challenge attitudes and perceptions of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) amongst young people and within their local communities. We brought together more than 100 primary schools to do this. The Allianz Dare to Believe programme saw 149 volunteers donating 1,043 hours at the festivals.

For more information about the Allianz Dare to Believe festivals visit youthsporttrust.org or follow on Twitter using #DareToBelieve

THE NUMBERS 770,000

Children living with a disability in the UK

2580

kids involved of all abilities

100

primary schools involved

30,960

boccia balls thrown

200

seated volleyball games played

149

volunteers donated 1043 hours of their time

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

P49

ONTRACK magazine.co.uk

07-12_InsideTrack.indd 7

| 7 02/02/2018 12:20

INSIDETRACK "IT WILL ALLO W O U R C HAR IT Y TO P RO V ID E A NU MB ER O F EX T RA A CTIVITIES THAT WE D O N’ T CURRE NTLY D ELIV ER . "

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

MULTI-SPORTS

QUIDS IN FOR ACCRINGTON STANLEY T

hanks to a healthy £9,930 National Lottery Awards for All windfall, Accrington Stanley are set to create more than 100 free sport sessions for people with disabilities in East Lancashire.

Helping build personal wellbeing, self-esteem and confidence, resilience and offering support and reducing social isolation, the sessions will cater for a wide variety of both mental and physical disabilities.

Martin Fearon, CEO of the trust told the club, “this new project will be a huge benefit to our local community. It will allow our charity to provide a number of extra activities that we don’t currently deliver.’’

The scheme kicks off in February. Visit stanleytrust.co.uk for more information as it is posted.

RUGBY

ALL IN A DAY'S WORK F

or wheelchair rugby club Dorset Destroyers, putting a shift in on the court is all in a day's work, but on 17 March from 2pm, they're aiming to make it a full day's work, setting out to break the world record for the longest wheelchair rugby marathon.

Targeting an exhausting 25 hours of non-stop rugby, the club are looking to raise funds, awareness and participation in the long run, with donations helping fund club equipment and benefiting The Royal Signals Benevolent Fund and Cakes 4 Casualties.

Held at Rossmuir Leisure Centre, around 40 players will take up the challenge. Donations can be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/24hourwrugby

@tennisfndation

S O C IA L CLUB

8

|

07-12_InsideTrack.indd 8

From sports-mad junior to the best men's wheelchair tennis player in the world, the Tennis Foundation is proud to have been a part of @alfiehewett6's journey to the top!

@breenolivia

So honoured to have won Disability Sport Wales Female Athlete of The Year, it was such a great night celebrating the success of disability sport in Wales

@ParalympicsIRE Delighted to introduce the new members of the Paralympics Ireland Athletes Commission. Chaired by @eoghan_clifford with @smyth_jason @helen_arbuthnot @jamespscully @niamhmacdiscus Peter Ryan & Padraig Moran. Great crew for an important job #morethansport

magazine.co.uk

02/02/2018 12:21

INSIDETRACK HEADER

RUGBY

"CH IL DRE N FR O M 1 3 PR IMAR Y A N D SECOND AR Y S C HO O LS WER E P UT TH RO U G H THEIR PAC ES IN BA DM IN TO N AND B O C C IA AT THE N A TION AL S PO R TS C ENTR E. . . "

RUGBY LEAGUE 1ST

Disability rugby league launches at Asics Stadium

MULTI-SPORTS

MANX KIDS GET SPORTY

E

ighty schoolchildren from the Isle of Man tried their hand at new sports thanks to festivals held by Manx Sport and Recreation's Disability School Sports Programme.

Children from 13 primary and secondary schools were put through their paces in badminton and boccia at the National Sports Centre after the Disability School Sports Programme kicked off with football last November, with Kwik cricket to come in March and athletics in June and tri-golf in July.

Priding themselves on a fun and inclusive environment to learn in, MSR aim to help children develop their balance, co-ordination, teamwork and social skills through sporting opportunties.

@HCDream2012

#2012days since the start of the London 2012 Games and the absolute time of my life. Double Paralympic Champion at 20 years old, nothing will ever beat it. Thank you London

@GPH73

@peaceplayers has the pleasure and honour of attending and speaking at the Special Olympics - 'On the Margins' Forum today at the Johan Cruuijff Arena, Amsterdam.

B

acked by The Last Leg host Adam Hills, Warrington took centre stage this month as they hosted the first competitive physical disability rugby league league game at Victoria Park's Asics Stadium.

"W OLVE S HOSTE D T H E RHINOS ON 4 F E BR UARY AF TE R BOT H CLUBS THRE W T H E I R SUPPORT BE H I ND THE M OV E ME NT. . . "

Wolves hosted the Rhinos on 4 February after both clubs threw their support behind the movement with Hills turning out for the home side as PDRL has been played in his native Australia for six years now. Attention now turns to a proposed exhibition match in Australia's Olympic Stadium against Hills' beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs later this year.

@mkerrgbwr

I would just like to say I had an amazing experience on #DragonsDen talking about @wheelAIR nervous time for all but I am delighted for the team!

@SportatStirling

Proud to support the @BritishParasnow athletes heading out to @pyeongchang2018 with some additional training equipment.

Thanks to @BenMooreSnow and @BrettWild for popping by to pick up the bikes!

magazine.co.uk

07-12_InsideTrack.indd 9

| 9 02/02/2018 12:23

INSIDETRACK FOOTBALL

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

PARALYMPIC SPORT

FAITH IN THE GUNNERS

LONGEST JUMP Stef Reid to make debut event in Glasgow

Arsenal have become the first professional football club to be awarded Leader status from the government's Disability Confident scheme, which helps businesses build and retain employees with disabilities and health conditions.

"WHILE S T I LL COM PE T I N G I N H E R FAVOU RE D LO N G JUM P, RE I D I S HOPIN G 20 18 WI LL ALSO BR I N G H E R 200M O UT DO OR SUCCE SS . . . "

Validated by assessors Purple, Arsenal achieved their Level 3 tag as part of the club's ongoing Arsenal for Everyone campaign that strives to embrace diversity and equality in the club, ten years after its launch.

Club chief executive Ivan Gazidiz told arsenal.com: “We have to ensure we employ a diverse range of people across the club and we see this as a significant achievement and an important step in our on-going inclusion programme, Arsenal for Everyone.”

D

ouble Paralympic silver medalist Stef Reid is set to swap the long jump for the track at Glasgow's Indoor Grand Prix with a debut event of 60m.

Having bounced around the top of the T44 long jump for years winning silver in London and Rio and becoming world champion last summer at London 2017,

RUNNING

MARATHON HOPES

T

hree more disabled athletes have been invited to represent the British Athletics team at the Virgin Money London Marathon in April, which also incorporates the World Para Athletics Marathon Cup. Derek Rae is a T46 athlete who secured bronze at the World Cup event in 2017 with an impressive

Reid is setting herself a new challenge.

While still competing in her favoured long jump, Reid is hoping 2018 will also bring her 200m outdoor success, which will in turn, boost her long jump performances.

Reid will appear at Glasgow's Emirates Arena on Sunday 25 February.

time of 2:33:24. Rob Smith will compete in the T52 marathon and Chris Goodwin, a T11 marathoner, will make his debut for the British team.

They will also be joined by marathon legend, David Weir, JonhBoy Smith and Simon Lawson. Jade Jones will be competing in the women’s race.

Image © onEdition 2016

10

|

07-12_InsideTrack.indd 10

magazine.co.uk

02/02/2018 12:23

PARALYMPICS

INSIDETRACK

TOKYO 2020 The IPC are making exciting changes for Japan

F

ollowing two intense days of debate in Bonn, Germany debating Russia’s future in PyeongChang, the IPC also released exciting new changes in line for Tokyo 2020.

With swimming, athletics and the triathlon getting a makeover, President Andrew Parsons said, "Following the decisions on athletics, swimming and triathlon, the medals event programme for Tokyo 2020 is almost finalised, with just the eight triathlon medal events to be decided.

"For both athletics and swimming, we have created programmes that ensure a good cross section of events for athletes in all classes. The addition of mixed gender relays will also enable more countries to participate."

ATHLETICS

Arguably, athletics’ track changes are the most exciting and eyebrow raising. In an unexpected move, the IPC have created what could be a showpiece event on the athletics schedule in the shape of a mixed gender and mixed class 4x100m relay.

With two men and two women, each team must put forward one athlete with a visual impairment, one with a coordination impairment, one with a limb impairment and a wheelchair racer for what will undoubtedly be one of the most watched and best loved events of the Games. More female athlete spaces are also on offer, but that’s not the only decision affecting women on the track.

Georgie Hermitage may have a medal boost thanks to the changes should she be selected, with the introduction of the T37 100m, which would let her convert her double gold into a hat-trick, but fan favourite Hannah Cockroft won’t be able to defend her triple Paralympic title status with the removal of her T34 400m.

SWIMMING

Changes in the pool have been made to create a more 'balanced' programme. Poolside picks now include two mixed gender 4x100m freestyle relays, one for visually impaired swimmers and another for athletes with an intellectual impairment and S14 swimmers also welcome the introduction of a 100m butterfly event. There will be 146 finals, a decrease of six on the Rio programme.

TRIATHLON

After introduction in Rio, it will have eight events in Japan with four for men and four for women, quadrupling from 2016. The specific programme is to be announced by the International Triathlon Union later this year.

NUMBERS GAME

7%

more female spaces in athletics events

4X

more triathlon events than in Rio

6

fewer swimming medal events than in Rio

9

fewer athletics medal events than in Rio

magazine.co.uk

07-12_InsideTrack.indd 11

| 11 02/02/2018 13:13

c

k

compact dimensions

autom ated tailga te & ram p m

drive from wheelchair

d

i

The F Qubo iat swit ch

p

the uk’s least expensive drive from wheelchair vehicle

interchangeable driver & passenger seats

upfront passenger

£9,495 ADVANCE PAYMENT on the Motability Scheme including push/pull hand controls

THE FIAT QUBO SWITCH WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE Exclusive to Sirus Automotive and designed to allow a wheelchair user to be either the driver or passenger, the Fiat Qubo Switch is the ultimate in compact flexibility and the least expensive drivefrom wheelchair vehicle available in the UK.

0121 505 7777 ads_OnTrack_febmar18.indd 12 QuboSwitchA4Q1.indd 1

SIRUSAUTOMOTIVE.CO.UK 02/02/2018 29/01/2018 10:54 15:28

E H T O T E M O C L E W

D L O GCoast 8 1 20

g until we d n lo t ’ n is It under an s n w o d d hea B nicetie G m a e T see all , where it’s d suspende nation for e every hom at the 2018 es themselv alth Games we Common in April.

magazine.co.uk

13_GoldCoast-Intro.indd 13

| 13 02/02/2018 08:58

D N A L T O SC 8 1 0 2 T S A GOLD CO

E L Y L A I R A M W E I V R NTE SPR IN

Image © CWG Scotland - Jeff Holmes

R TE

I

e are on th d n la t o c S after in a g a d a ro uties in hosting d debutant 2014 and shares Maria Lyle with s her hope rr a Colette C

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’VE HAD FOUR YEARS NOW TO ESTABLISH YOURSELF AS ONE OF THE NAMES THAT’LL JUMP OUT, HOW DOES IT FEEL? It’s amazing to be selected for Team Scotland – I’ve never run for Scotland before so I’m really looking forward to it, it’s a great opportunity.

YOU WEREN’T QUITE THERE YET FOR GLASGOW 2014 BUT DID YOU MANAGE TO TAKE ANY OF IT IN? I didn’t manage to get tickets but I watched a lot on TV and Scotland did well as a team so hopefully we can replicate them if not do better at the Gold Coast.

DOES IT FEEL STRANGE THAT THIS IS YOU JUST MAKING YOUR SCOTTISH DEBUT SINCE YOU’VE COMPETED FOR SO LONG? Being a para athlete you don’t get the same opportunities to represent your home nation and I’m just very lucky my classification is included in the Gold Coast programme and I’m just so proud to represent that.

HOW DIFFERENT IS IT BEING A PART OF TEAM SCOTLAND COMPARED TO GB AND WHAT YOU’RE USED TO? I’m still training just as hard but maybe do value it a wee bit more because it’s something I’ve never done before and

14 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

14-15_GoldCoast-Scotland.indd 14

02/02/2018 13:09

“I’VE NEVER RUN FOR SCOTLAND BEFORE SO I’M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO IT, IT’S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY.” you want to put on that performance.

It requires just as much hard work though.

THE TALK AROUND YOUR EVENT IS ABOUT YOU AND YOUR AUSTRALIAN COMPETITOR ISIS HOLT. ISIS OBVIOUSLY WON GOLD ON YOUR HOME PATCH AT LONDON 2017 – ARE YOU LOOKING TO RETURN THE FAVOUR ON HER TURF? To be honest I’m not that bothered - I’m there to run my best. I didn’t have a great time in London or great preparation, I was injured during it so my setup wasn’t going well. It doesn’t bother me if I come last, first or third as long as I run to the best of my abilities. I’m not there to run someone else’s race or think about other athletes.

WE’RE CURRENTLY BEING HIT BY HEAVY SNOW – YOU MUST BE DREAMING OF AUSTRALIA! HOW’S TRAINING GOING? After my injury it’s been really hard trying to get fit again. Now it’s about speed work. It’s strange timing when the athletics competition is because we normally compete later in the year so it’s challenging trying to peak at the right time, so now it’s about hitting speeds and hopefully getting a few indoor competitions to sharpen up.

Their conditions work really well for me.

Having CP, my muscles really like the heat and it helps relax everything so the weather has a greater effect on me than able-bodied athletes. Obviously, you have to make sure you’re not in the heat too long but it’ll be ideal conditions for sprinting and hopefully getting a tan.

YOU HAVE BIG GAME EXPERIENCE BEHIND YOU NOW, HOW IMPORTANT IS THAT? I think people think I’m a bit young and immature, but I have competed before and I know how competitions work and I’m used to the crowd so it’s good that I know what to expect.

NUMBERS

178

A THLE T E S

REPRESENTING SCOTLAND

2014 53

THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL GAMES

THE BIGGEST MEDAL HAUL

E V E NT T O W A T CH W H E E L C H A I R M A R A T H ON 15 APRIL, 9:10PM BST

Scottish wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn is turning her hand to the marthon after her track events were left out of the programme

MORE COUNTRIES ON NEXT PAGE >>> ALL STATISTICS WERE ACCURATE AT TIME OF PRINT ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 15

14-15_GoldCoast-Scotland.indd 15

02/02/2018 14:08

8 1 0 2 T S A GOLD CO

D N A L G N E

D N Y H E I L OL

YOU’VE SET SUCH HIGH STANDARDS FOR YOURSELF, DOES THAT PUT PRESSURE ON YOU GOING INTO SELECTION?

R ME

W E I V R E T IN

g fter helpin a s r a e y For land top Team Eng table in l the meda Ollie Hynd , Glasgow te Carr how t tells Cole ing for Gold n he is gun ld Coast go

I don’t know if it puts more pressure on me because I’ve not got anything left to prove at this point so it’s just continuing what I’ve done. I think I’ve found the formula over the years that when you’re enjoying it, you swim well, qualify and get good results.

SW IM

YOU’VE EXPERIENCED THE GAMES BEFORE, BUT HOW DIFFERENT IS IT HEADING IN DEFENDING A TITLE? Having that experience has probably given me an advantage, but when you’re there as a gold medallist from the last Games you’ve got more of a target on your back. But I enjoy pressure, it drives me on.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS? HAVE YOU HAD ANY WARM WEATHER TRAINING? I’m used to swimming outdoors and traveling but this will be the furthest I’ll have been away so it is a bit daunting.

We’re putting a plan in place to get the best travel strategy but I’m looking forward to it.

YOU’VE COME FULL CIRCLE IN TERMS OF THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES SINCE GLASGOW FOUR YEARS AGO, HOW DOES THAT FEEL?

16 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

16-17_GoldCoast-England.indd 16

02/02/2018 13:26

“I’M USED TO SWIMMING OUTDOORS AND TRAVELING BUT THIS WILL BE THE FURTHEST I’LL HAVE BEEN AWAY SO IT IS A BIT DAUNTING...”

It’s strange, it doesn’t feel like five minutes since Glasgow! A lot of my friends and family came to support me so I’ve got great memories but it’s now about reflecting on what has been a really good run.

HOW DO TEAM ENGLAND EVENTS COMPARE TO TEAM GB COMPETITIONS? IS THERE FRIENDLY RIVALRY BETWEEN THE HOME NATIONS? It’s definitely different. There’s a massive pride representing either but there’s more of a rivalry to it and I think everyone feels it, the relays in Glasgow - they were amazing! But the Commonwealths have a friendly vibe, so even though there is fierce competition, people are supporting each other.

THE DECISION WAS MADE NOT TO ATTEND THE WORLDS IN MEXICO LAST DECEMBER. HOW HAS THAT AFFECTED YOUR SEASON GOING INTO THE COMMONWEALTH YEAR? It’s been very difficult. I really struggled after Rio with my goals, but I had a great swim at the summer nationals and qualified for Mexico, so felt back on track, but when the earthquake hit in Mexico there were so many emotions.

It’s more than sport, it’s people’s lives and homes at stake so I supported the decision to postpone. It was difficult not knowing what to train for even before the decision not to attend the rescheduled, but I’m fortunate to have had the Commonwealths to drive me on.

WHAT HAPPENS BETWEEN NOW AND THE GAMES? We head out towards the end of March so we’ll spend a bit of time getting acclimatised in the village but from now untill then it’s more of the same - staying focused, injury free and put in the last block of hard work and get sharp and ready to race. It’s getting down to crunch time and a lot of things now could make the difference. I’m just really excited.

NUMBERS

296

ATH LET ES

REPRESENTING ENGLAND

2014

THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL GAMES

174 THE BIGGEST MEDAL HAUL

E V E NT T O W A T CH

T123APRIL, 8 10 0 M S PRINT 10AM BST

The women’s T38 100m will see English Rio medalists Sophie Hahn and Kadeena Cox face off again. Catch the pair in action at the Carrara Stadium as England target two medals.

MORE COUNTRIES ON NEXT PAGE >>> ALL STATISTICS WERE ACCURATE AT TIME OF PRINT ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 17

16-17_GoldCoast-England.indd 17

02/02/2018 09:18

N R E H T R NO D N A L E IR 8 1 0 2 T S GOLD COA

speaks ll e b p m a Katie C air racer Jack h to wheelc of Nothern ne Agnew, o ing stars, before ris Ireland’s nwealth Games o his Comm debut.

SPRINTER IR

INTERVIEW

W E N G A K C A J

2018 WILL BE YOUR FIRST COMMONWEALTH GAMES; HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT COMPETING? I’m excited, it’s a great opportunity for me to get experience of a major championship and it’s my first senior championship too. I’ll probably be the youngest in my event so there’s no pressure or expectations on me. I’m just going to go and give it my best and see how far it takes me.

WHEELCH A

YOU SAID IN 2015 THAT COMPETING IN THE 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES WAS YOUR AMBITION – HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HAVE ACHIEVED THAT? It’s brilliant, back in 2015 I set some targets and the Commonwealth Games was a very ambitious one, I’ve had to travel a lot and punch well above my weight to get the qualifying times but I’ve made the team and I’m very proud.

18 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

18-19_GoldCoast-NI.indd 18

02/02/2018 12:09

“I’M JUST LOOKING FOR GOOD PERFORMANCES, THERE IS NO PRESSURE OR EXPECTATIONS BEING PUT ON ME.” HOW IS TRAINING FOR THE GAMES GOING? Training is going very well, I’m in Western Australia on the outskirts of Perth for four weeks and we’re getting a lot of road miles in the tank. At this time of year most of my training is on the road or cycle paths and Perth is ideal for it with lots of cycle ways around lakes and along the Swan River. We’re in their summer season and it’s hot so I need plenty of sun block and also to keep an eye on my hydration levels.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE ONE OF THE 88 – AND ULTIMATELY, THREE PARA ATHLETES – SELECTED? I’m so proud, Northern Ireland is very small but we always get behind our teams and athletes. With the Games being televised I know that the people back home will get behind me and support me. It’s a chance for me to show my sport to everyone back home and hopefully inspire other wheelchair users, especially the younger guys, to get involved in para sports. If I give it my best I won’t let them down.

GOING FORWARD FROM AN EXCELLENT YEAR ON THE TRACK, WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO ACHIEVE AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES, AND FOR 2018 IN GENERAL? At the Commonwealth Games I’m just looking for good performances, there is no pressure or expectations being put on me. If I get through the heats and make the final it would be brilliant. After the Games I will sit down with my team and set new targets. If I continue to get PBs on the track then there might be a chance of making the GB&NI team for the European Para Athletics Championships in Berlin late August.

NUMBERS

88

ATHLETES

REPRESENTING NORTHERN IRELAND

1986

THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL GAMES

15

THE BIGGEST MEDAL HAUL

E V E NT T O W A T CH MEN’S SWIMMING FI N AL 5 APRIL, 10:30AM BST

See up and coming Northern Irish hopeful Barry McClements in his Commonwealth debut

MORE COUNTRIES ON NEXT PAGE >>> ALL STATISTICS WERE ACCURATE AT TIME OF PRINT ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 19

18-19_GoldCoast-NI.indd 19

02/02/2018 09:19

8 1 0 2 T S A GOLD CO

S E L A W

S A M O H T E I L U J NTERVIEW

WLER BO

I

her Ahead of ealth Games w Common lette Carr debut, Co with Julie p catches u ho tells us how w Thomas, lawn bowls s she keep clockwork. e ticking lik

FIRSTLY, CONGRATULATIONS YOU ONLY STARTED BOWLING JUST BEFORE GLASGOW 2014, HAVE YOU BEEN WAITING FOR A COMPETITION LIKE THIS FOR QUITE A WHILE THEN? I started bowling in April 2014 during the build-up and it was amazing. I met those going but it was all so new to me. I can’t believe this is real, I keep wanting to pinch myself, but I won’t!

YOU’VE COMPETED IN A LOT OF EVENTS LEADING TO THIS, EVEN AGAINST SIGHTED BOWLERS, BUT HOW DO YOU THINK THE COMMONWEALTHS WILL COMPARE?

LAN W

We’ve had a fabulous training session with the rest of the Welsh bowlers and some of them were saying it’s a completely new experience - the atmosphere, the build-up, the village, the spectators, it just all sounds so much bigger. I lost my sight about ten years ago and before that I always watched the Games so I can’t believe I’m going.

YOU’RE COMPETING IN THE MIXED DOUBLES WITH GILBERT MILES AND YOUR DIRECTORS JOHN WILSON AND BYRON JOHN, WHAT WORK AND COMMUNICATION GOES INTO THAT?

20 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

20-21_GoldCoast-Wales.indd 20

02/02/2018 09:20

“I THINK ALL SPORT SHOULD BE LIKE THAT. BOWLS IS INCLUSIVE AND I PLAY WEEK IN WEEK OUT WITH SIGHTED PLAYERS, THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS I HAVE SOMEONE SPEAKING TO ME.” I’ve no sight at all and John Wilson has taught me from day one, so we’ve built up a rapport and he has a clear understanding of what he needs to give to me and luckily Gilly is someone I play with at club level, so we’re very familiar and practice week in week out.

SHARING THAT EXPERIENCE WITH PEOPLE YOU KNOW SO WELL MUST MAKE IT ALL THE MORE SPECIAL? It does make it better - I owe all my success to John. The fact we’ve reached this level together means I would like to achieve something.

YOU USE MUSCLE MEMORY AND A ‘CLOCK FACE’ TO GET THAT PRECISION AND ACCURACY. HOW EXACTLY DOES THAT WORK? When you roll the jack, the person at the other end tells you what distance to bowl to, so when the jack lands and you send your first bowl, you imagine the jack is the centre of the clock, so if it’s a foot at 12 o’clock you know your bowl is on a good line, just beyond the jack.

Nine o’clock is a little to the side so you know whether to bring it in, narrow or widen it and you visualise it in your head.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE COMMONWEALTHS HAVING AN INTEGRATED PARA SPORT PROGRAMME? I think all sport should be like that.

Bowls is inclusive and I play week in week out with sighted players, the only difference is I have someone speaking to me. I’ve taken part in county championships and play in a county sighted team. I do understand some sports can’t do the same type of things but I’m sure it could work as beautifully as it does in the Commonwealths.

NUMBERS

199

ATHLET E S

REPRESENTING ENGLAND

2014

THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL GAMES

36

THE BIGGEST MEDAL HAUL

E V E NT T O W A T CH

V I C Y C L I NG 5 APRIL, 10AM BST

Follow double world paracycling champion James Ball zoom around the track in his Commonwealth debut

MORE NEWS ON THE NEXT PAGE >>> ALL STATISTICS WERE ACCURATE AT TIME OF PRINT ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 21

20-21_GoldCoast-Wales.indd 21

02/02/2018 12:27

Commonwealth Games to return to the UK for Birmingham 2022

B A C K IN TH E U K Words by Katie Campbell

W

ith Birmingham’s winning bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games freshly announced, eyes will soon turn from the Gold Coast and back to Great Britain. This will be the third time the Games have been hosted in England, following London 1934 and Manchester 2002, and the seventh time the Games have been held in Great Britain.

The Games will take advantage of the world-class venues on offer in Birmingham, including the stunning Symphony Hall, and Villa Park. 95% of the venues intended to be used at the Games are already in place, with only the aquatic events gaining a new venue: the Sandwell Aquatics Centre will be

22 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

22-23_Birmingham2022 2.indd 22

Images Š Birmingham 2022

02/02/2018 10:28

BIRMINGHAM 2022

“IT IS GREAT NEWS THAT THE W E S T M I D L A N D S W I L L F I N A L LY BE GETTING A WORLD-CLASS C O M P E T I T I O N S TA N D A R D SWIMMING POOL.” Paralympic Swimmer, Ellie Simmonds located ten miles from the city centre and feature a 50m pool, a warm-up pool and a diving pool. The centre will be built with the Games’ legacy in mind, with community leisure facilities included in its plans.

Ellie Simmonds, who grew up not far from the proposed site of the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, said: “It is great news that the West Midlands will finally be getting a world-class competition standard swimming pool.

When I was a youngster progressing up the rankings I had to move from Walsall to Wales in order to find facilities of the standard I needed to train.

“The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the Sandwell Aquatics

Centre will inspire the next generation of swimmers as well as encourage the local community to enjoy swimming and diving and learn a valuable life skill.”

Alexander Stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics events, will be given a huge upgrade, with its capacity increased to 50,000 seats, and a 400m warmup track developed. The stadium will become the new home of UK Athletics after the Games, hosting major national and international competitions.

The legacy of the Games is firmly at the forefront of the organisers’ minds, with their hopes that the regeneration of venues, Birmingham’s public transport system and new venue will encourage

a new generation of athletes to take up sport, and become future champions themselves.

Paralympic swimming champion Ollie Hynd is excited about the Games returning to Great Britain: “I think it’s massive,” Ollie said.

“Having experienced London 2012 and it was kind of another home Games in Glasgow I suppose, I know how much of a difference that can make, so having them in Birmingham with all that home support and having people’s friends and families being able to come out and support them will make a massive, massive difference I think it’s going to be an amazing Games and hopefully we get that same support that we’ve had previously.”

ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 23

22-23_Birmingham2022 2.indd 23

02/02/2018 10:27

Image © onEdition

PYEONGCHANG 2018

FIRE &ICE

We’re now sub 50 days until the Winter Paralympics commence and we’ve pulled together a crash guide of the Games to get you ready for the 9 March.

24 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

24-27_PyongChang.indd 24

02/02/2018 12:30

IN THE

S NOW 670

The number of athletes expected to attend the Games.

80

There are 80 medal events on show over the ten days in the Paralympics.

42

Nations competing Russians will compete under the Paralympic flag.

10

Team GB’s record medal haul saw them break double-figures at Austria 1984.

09

PyeongChang is nine hours ahead of the UK. Set your alarms!

07

The Team GB medal target set for the competition.

06

Follow six Paralympian’s experiences through Samsung’s Paralympic vloggers.

06

Team GB picked up six medals at the Sochi 2014 Games.

04

Channel 4 will keep you up to date with all the goings on.

03

The average temperature of the region in degrees Celsius in March.

MORE PYEONGCHANG INFO ON NEXT PAGE

24-27_PyongChang.indd 25

02/02/2018 12:34

ONT RACK ’S GB P ICK S

WHEELCHAIR CURLING

VI ALPINE SKIING

SNOWBOARDING

ANGIE MALONE

MILLIE KNIGHT & BRETT WILD

JAMES BARNESMILLER

THE

Having competed at every Games since the sport was granted Paralympic status back in 2006, Malone is GB’s most decorated curler, having sealed bronze at Sochi and silver at Turin 2006. Watch out for the Scot to aim to complete her collection with a gold.

19-year-old Millie Knight and her Marine guide Brett Wild head to South Korea as World Champions flying to gold and silver at last year’s World Championships in Italy.

After an injured guide in Sochi derailed the then 14-year-old’s hopes, she’s now looking for Russian redemption.

INTERVIEW

The banked slalom boarder hit the headlines late last year after his gear was stolen from his car, leading to a race against time and much backed campaign to raise funds in time for qualifying events.

After the generosity of the public and companies pulled through, Barnes-Miller is set for a podium finish.

Words by Colette Carr

AILEEN H

istory-making Team GB skip Aileen Neilson is hoping to make more wheelchair curling history as she heads to South Korea for her fourth Paralympics.

ME E T T HE C O M P E T I T I O N

“AS A SQ U AD W E W ANT TO GO IN AND PE R F O R M AT OUR B E S T . . . ”

Skipping the team for the third time, the Scot is targeting nothing short of peak performance in PyeongChang.

“As a squad we want to go in and perform at our

best,” the schoolteacher began.

“We want to work to peak in March and our first goal will be to make the playoffs(semi-finals). We then will set the target to make the podium, and obviously every athlete dreams of the gold medal round their neck.”

Having already forged her name in the record books having become the first woman to skip at either the Paralympics or World

WHEELCHAIR CURLING

VI ALPINE SKIING

SNOWBOARDING

TEAM CANADA

HENRIETA FARKASOVA (SLOVAKIA)

MIKE MINOR (USA)

Mark Ideson is to skip the reigning Paralympic champions Canada, chasing an incredible fourth Paralympic victory in a row. Following playing lead in Russia, he is joined by alternate James Answeeuw, lead Marie Wright, second Dennis Thiessen and third Ina Forest for the wheelchair curling powerhouse. While Marie Wright and James Answeeuw are making their debut, the smart money will still be on the Canadians.

Fresh from picking up her sixth visually impaired World Cup win, Farkasova will prove tough competition for Millie Knight to dethrone. Defending downhill and giant slalom golds and looking to convert her slalom bronze into a gold, the Slovak presents Knight with an uphill battle on the downhill slope to medal ahead of her.

Mike Minor of the USA will prove a real bump on the slope for Team GB newbie in the SB-UL banked slalom. After topping 2017 by winning the world title in the snowboard-cross and silver in the banked slalom (his first defeat of the season), Minor ended the year on top of both rankings, winning him the overall World Cup title.

26 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

24-27_PyongChang.indd 26

02/02/2018 12:34

3 TALK ING P OINT S

EAST IS EAST

These Games will kick off a three-cycle stint in Asia, with Tokyo 2020 Summer Games following and the next installment of Winter Games in Beijing. 2018 marks 20 years since the Winter Games in Japan, the last time the movement visited the continent. Expect the Asian Paralympic Committee to target a shift in attitudes not too dissimilar to the London 2012 legacy.

CLEAN COMPETING The Russians may have hosted the 2014

Games but after an appeal to allow Russian Paralympians to compete under their own flag, after more than 50 Russians competed in the qualifying competitions were thrown out, only athletes who prove themselves to be clean can compete, entering under the Paralympic flag. The IPC and International Olympic Committee both came down hard on the country accused of systematic stateendorsed doping.

NE I LSON

Championships, Neilson is preparing to lead the British team to greater success than their bronze in 2014.

“All four positions in a curling team are absolutely crucial but it’s a real honour to skip the team.

E VE N T S F O R T H E D I A R Y

“We sleep, eat and curl.

We’re off to Finland for an international competition where we’ll meet teams that are going to South Korea, so that will be good to get competitive games against

good teams,” she said.

The team features a blend of youth and experience, with decorated Paralympians Angie Malone, Gregor Ewan and Robert McPherson and debutant Hugh Nibloe, who will all bring something different to the ice according to Neilson.

“We’ve all come into the team with varying degrees of experience and bring different things to help each other cope as best

6:30AM GMT, 10 MARCH

AN ALL-ASIAN AFFAIR

Hosts South Korea look to improve on their bottom of the group result at the 2014 para ice hockey tournament starting with an all-Asian fixture against 2010 silver-medalists Japan. World bronze medalists South Korea recently won a warm-up tournament in Nagano with the Japanese narrowly missing out on a podium position to the Czech Republic, so expect things to get heated as Japan look to return the favour on South Korean ice.

24-27_PyongChang.indd 27

we can but I think nothing can really prepare you for it. People can ask, “how do you cope?”, We can’t go to an ice rink somewhere in the world and recreate the Paralympic Games though, you really have to be there to experience it.

“You just need to try and block that out and treat every training session like a Paralympic game and a Paralympic game as a training session to try and not let something get out of

NORTH MEETS SOUTH

While the neighbouring Koreas have shared a frosty relationship over the years, the conflict was recently put on ice with the decision for the North to send a Paralympic delegation to the Games, a historical choice leading to the North’s debut at the Winter Paralympics and more importantly, a potential thawing of the tensions.

proportion. You just need to train yourself to stick to your routine that will come out in an important situation.”

Curling offers something different to other fast and furious Winter events, adding an element of tension to the Games bringing viewers to the edges of their seats, something Neilson wants to capitalise on.

“We want spectators to feel like they are on the ice with us.

“I often say curling is about 80% mental and 20% physical because of all the tactical things you have to think about in the shots you need to play, but also the distractions and having that right mindset to distract yourself from the distractions,” she said.

3AM GMT, 10 MARCH

1AM GMT, 11 MARCH

UKRANIAN NIGHTS

SLOPE HOPES FOR NORTH KOREA

The women’s standing biathlon will pit two Ukrainians head to head as current Paralympic champion Oleksandra Kononova will have to fight off stiff competition from countrywoman Liudmyla Liashenko as she sets out to defend her gold. While Kononova has long dominated the circuit, 2017 belonged to Liashenko who toppled her to double gold in the biathlon at the Worlds, so Kononova has her work cut out keeping her crown in PyeongChang.

With North Korea’s historic inclusion in the Winter Games, two sit-skiers are hoping to represent the host’s neighbouring nation.

Potential wild cards Ma You-chul and Kim Jung-hyun only took up the sport in December, but the accomplished table tennis players aren’t shy about their medal hopes. Catch the cross country sitting on 11 March, 1am GMT. ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 27

02/02/2018 12:36

NUTRITION Words by Colette Carr

PL A T E UP ON THE PI S T E While the weather here is just about to finally thaw out a little and we can dare to dream of shedding one less layer while exercising, winter sport athletes train in frosty climes all year round to ensure their bodies are conditioned to perform at subpar temperatures.

How to keep high energy levels at low temperatures

F

or athletes spending most of their day up a mountain range, eating the right things at the right times can seem a challenge in itself, with the temptation to grab something quick and easy as slippery a slope as the ones they descend.

But when the strain of cold temperatures and high altitude takes a demanding toll on your body, it is up to you to answer the questions it asks of you properly to ensure you are well hydrated and fueled to fight off illness, fatigue, injury and more.

Basic preparation and knowledge of the conditions and effects of the activity help elite athletes get out the blocks right and keep healthy.

So, if you find yourself mesmerised by the action on show at PyeongChang and suddenly need to book yourself a trip to the slopes, here are some things to bear in mind to ensure you get the most out of your experience and don’t spoil your break by falling ill or getting injured.

HYDRATION

While one of the simplest elements of sport and activity, it is often one of the most over-looked and dangerous issues in snow sports. While dehydration is most often associated with warm weather, it is a real risk for cold weather athletes.

Hydrating and keeping hydrated is a preventative measure you can take against injury, so consuming water and a sport drink a couple of hours or so before heading out into the cold weather and a trip to the bathroom will let your body rid itself of excess fluids and give optimum hydration.

Athletes wrapped up with more layers than Shrek can occasionally (and misguidedly) skip water breaks

28 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

28-29_Nutrition-Skiing.indd 28

02/02/2018 12:55

W ARM S O U R C E S OF C ARBOHYDRA TES AROUND TW O TO F O U R HOURS BEFORE TAKI NG TO THE PISTE CA N HELP B O TH W I TH E NE RGY RESERVES AND TEM P E R ATURE . to reduce the number of breaks to the bathroom, but this habit matched with cold weather stopping thirst pangs, can see training quickly take a bad turn.

Sports undertaken at higher altitudes require higher fluid intake levels, with risk of dehydration spiking. More water and electrolytes at warmer, room temperatures will keep the internal body heat level optimal while not absorbing as quickly as cold liquids, while water is lost at a faster rate in breath due to the colder climes.

Carbohydrate-rich drinks can keep both your hydration and nutrient levels replenished killing two birds with the one stone, and make sure you rehydrate enough post competition or training to fend off any muscle pain and speed up recovery.

The other side of the coin is just as important for athletes hitting the slopes.

Food is your fuel. Those taking to the snow require far higher calorific intake than summer athletes to combat the conditions, while complex carbohydrates are also vital.

CARBOHYDRATES Warm sources of carbohydrates around two to four hours before taking to the piste can help both with energy reserves and temperature. Oats, sweet potatoes, potatoes, red beans, wholegrain rice, wholegrain pasta, wholegrain bread, peppers, onion, broccoli, tomatoes, garlic, asparagus, green beans, spinach and cucumber are all great things to have on your plate before a session.

RED BEANS

appetite is supressed by the chilled air.

Load up on lean protein too to offer quicker recovery and higher performance. Tuna, chicken, turkey and powders among others are great pre-piste fuels to keep your body prepared for the conditions. Good protein intake shortly after leaving the snow is highly recommended, with eggs, chicken, beef and others are favoured in these occasions.

Eating well isn’t always the easiest of tasks when training up in the mountains, so planning and timing is key. There may be a lengthy commute to and from that will need to be factored in when planning pre and post eating and hydration, so if you are taking to the slopes any time soon, consult your instructors onsite and beforehand to make sure you are match fit for arguably the best part of any skiing or snowboarding holiday – the apres ski.

PRE-SESSION WARM UP

Red beans, oats, sweet potatoes, potatoes, wholegrain rice, wholegrain pasta, wholegrain bread, peppers, onion, broccoli, tomatoes, garlic, asparagus, green beans, spinach and cucumber

PARALYMPIAN APPROVED If you are keen to really take the role of nutrition in snow sports seriously, Quick Sports Meals from Sports Kitchen are the choice of many Team GB Winter Paralympians and Olympians.

Dubbed ‘healthy pot noodles’, these quick and convenient nutritious snacks are available in eight savoury flavours, four breakfasts and a desert option for those with a sweet tooth

to make life easier for athletes on the go – especially on long journeys to the slopes.

These tasty and well-designed recipes also promote increased energy and performance, quicker recovery, enhanced repair and growth, reduced risk of injury, greater health and well-being and improved cognitive function. sportkitchen.com

Carbohydrate-filled snacks such as gels, bars and dried fruits can help restore muscle fatigue and body heat, while replacing the energy lost. Snacking throughout, particularly while at high altitude, is of importance, even if your

ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 29

28-29_Nutrition-Skiing.indd 29

02/02/2018 12:55

National Helpline 0800 917 7650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,400 groups throughout Great Britain dedicated to helping those with a serious alcohol problem learn how to stay sober. Groups are made up of people from all walks of life and all age groups. Through friendship and mutual support, members assist each other in coping which is made easier by meeting others with the same problem. There are no dues or fees for membership and anonymity is carefully preserved.

Anyone who believes they have a drink problem can contact Alcoholics Anonymous by using the helpline number above.

Further information may be obtained from the web site above or from the General Service office at the address below.

PERFORMANCE AND REHABILITATION

EXPO

For information: P.O. Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York. YO1 7NJ Tel: 01904 644 026

9 & 10 MAY | ExCeL, LONDON

90 SEMINARS | LIVE DEMOS | 200 EXHIBITORS MASTERCLASSES | NETWORKING

ACTIVATE YOUR FREE TICKET EXPOELITESPORTS.CO.UK ExpoEliteSports #EliteSports

ads_OnTrack_febmar18.indd 30

02/02/2018 10:55

MOUNTAINEERING

Hockey travelled up the treacherous and infinitely deadlier North Side.

2006

MARK INGLIS BECOMES THE FIRST DOUBLE AMPUTEE TO SUMMIT MOUNT EVEREST.

2

During the descent he broke a prosthetic, forcing him to travel with it taped up.

3

MOUNTAINEER KIM HONG-BIN SUMMITS VINSON MASSIF IN ANTARCTICA.

2009

He became the first disabled person to complete the Seven Summits challenge on all seven continents.

201 2

5

4

A group of three disabled climbers, Craig DeMartino, Pete Davis, and Jarem Frye, become the first to climb El Capitan’s most difficult face, Zodiac.

FIRST FEMALE AMPUTEE SCALES EVEREST.

2 0 12

Amputee Arunima Sinha summits Mount Everest, making her the first woman to do so. It was her dream since losing her leg two years prior.

201 3

THREE DISABLED CLIMBERS CONQUER ZODIAC.

6

KYLE MAYNARD CONQUERS KILIMANJARO.

Wrestler, climber and motivational speaker Kyle Maynard became the first quadruple amputee, and the first disabled person, to climb Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.

A M O U NTAIN TO C L I M B

2005

A BRIEF HISTORY OF PARA-MOUNTAINEERING

1

PAUL HOCKEY BECOMES THE FIRST DISABLED PERSON AND AMPUTEE TO SUMMIT MOUNT EVEREST.

ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 31

31_ParaMountaineering.indd 31

02/02/2018 09:21

FA PEOPLE’S CUP

Words by Colette Carr

THE FA PEO PLE ’ S C U P The FA People’s Cup is back and better than ever with the hallowed grounds of St George’s Park set to stage this year’s final.

23-25 FEBRUARY | TAKING PLACE ACROSS THE UNITED KINGDOM

T

he nation’s largest and most accessible free amateur five-a-side competition will see 18 categories for men, women, children and disabled players again aim to help more people have a go at the beautiful game. The first round takes place on 23-25 February, and ahead of it, OnTrack catches up with national participation manager for disability Phil Heap and national participation manager for recreational football Andy Dyke on what the competiton means for disabled football fans.

THE FA PEOPLE’S CUP IS ALL ABOUT INCLUSIVENESS - HOW DOES THAT EXTEND TO THE DISABLED COMMUNITY?

The FA People’s Cup has been positioned at the top of the Pan Disability player pathway and this year there are five disability categories people in the competition can enter. These categories cater for a range of abilities, to ensure there are loads of opportunities to play. These include: adult male – premiership ability banding, adult male –

championship ability banding, adult male – league ability banding, adult female and U16 mixed gender.

Local heats are being run through the network of county pan disability leagues that run across the country and cater for in excess of 1,000 teams. There are also opportunities for new teams to get involved in the local heats, so you don’t need to be part of an existing league team to take part. Teams have a chance of progressing from their local heat through to a regional final and then

32 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

32-33_FAPeoplesCup.indd 32

02/02/2018 12:13

FA PEOPLE’S CUP

possibly onto the national finals day at St George’s Park.

Pan disability football means that players with almost any type of disability are eligible to play, with only blind and wheelchair users unable to participate for safety reasons. Whilst blind and wheelchair users are unable to participate in The FA Peoples Cup, they are able to play within impairment specific football. The FA Disability Cup finals day, for example, will see St George’s Park host six impairment specific cup finals in June which will include blind and powerchair football formats.

HOW SUCCESSFUL HAS THE TURNOUT FOR THESE CATEGORIES BEEN IN THE PAST? ARE YOU EXPECTING GROWTH THIS YEAR OFF THE BACK OF PREVIOUS YEARS? We’re delighted to say that team numbers across all the disability categories have grown steadily over the past three years. In 2015, approximately

225 teams participated, in 2016 this increased to approximately 300 teams and in 2017 this number grew again to approximately 500. We are hoping to continue growth in the coming years but are also really focused on improving player experience. To ensure further growth, we need to engage a greater number of the pan disability leagues while ensuring these leagues are open to taking on new teams.

THE FACILITIES AT ST GEORGE’S PARK ARE INCREDIBLE - HOW IMPORTANT IS OPENING THAT UP TO PEOPLE IN ENCOURAGING THEM TO GET ALONG? Playing at St George’s Park is a huge incentive for people to get involved in this year’s competition. The venue boasts some of the best facilities in the country and the opportunity to play on the same turf as our nation’s best players is massive. Not many people can say they’ve played on the same pitch as Harry Kane or Steph Houghton! It’s also

a great chance for people to share this brilliant experience with their friends – it will be a memorable day out for those who make it to the finals.

A PROMOTIONAL VIDEO SHOWCASED THE CP UNITED BOYS, ARE THERE OTHER SUCCESS STORIES TO COME FROM THE DISABILITY CATEGORIES AT THE PEOPLE’S CUP? One of the most inspirational stories is that of the Deaf Rhinos, a deaf football team who reached the semi-finals of last year’s competition despite playing against sides with more experience than them. After being set up by a deaf football coach named Rukon, the team was actually managed by a football coach who had full hearing, didn’t know sign language and had never worked in disability football before, but had a brilliant time leading the players through the competition as far as the semi-finals.

Their success, but more importantly the fun they had taking part, is a great example of what this competition can do for those playing in the tournament.

HOW ELSE CAN THE FA PEOPLE’S CUP SPRINGBOARD PEOPLE INTO CONTINUING PLAYING EVEN IF THEY’VE NEVER KICKED A BALL BEFORE?

“ PAN D IS AB ILITY F O O TB ALL ME ANS THAT PLAYE R S WITH ALMO S T ANY TYPE O F D IS AB ILITY AR E E LIG IB LE TO PLAY. . . ”

As a first step, individuals can declare an interest in playing by visiting TheFA.com, where they will be supported by our network of County FA disability football development officers who will help them find a playing opportunity which suits their needs. This might be within The FA People’s Cup but equally it might be within a more recreational environment such as a ‘turn up and play’ centre. These are brilliant places for beginners to try football at their own pace, whilst having fun and meeting likeminded people. thefa.com/competitions/the-fapeoples-cup/

ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 33

32-33_FAPeoplesCup.indd 33

02/02/2018 12:58

Words by Colette Carr

H

e last year claimed that within three years he would run faster than Usain Bolt after mapping out his plan to use technology for track domination to break the world’s fastest man’s records.

A bold claim, but not when you’re eclectic fan favourite, sprinter and all-round character Liam Malone.

But just months after he shared his lofty ambitions as injury ruled him out of a second showdown in a year with friendly rival Jonnie Peacock at London 2017, the New Zealander has announced his retirement at the tender age of 24.

Citing reasons both within and outwith his control as deciding factors, namely IPC changes to blade regulations, Malone’s huge arena-filling personality will be missed.

34 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

34-35_LiamMalone.indd 34

02/02/2018 12:15

FA R E W E L L LIAM “I JUST RUN IN CIRCL ES AND READ BOOK S, DO THA T FOR TWO YEARS AND IT’ S AMAZING WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE! ”

“I WAS THE SLOWEST KID AT SCHOOL, MY LEGS WERE WOODEN, SO IT DIDN’T HELP RUNNING LIKE A F***ING PIRATE!” He may have just hung up his blades, but it was only five years ago that he got his first pair of running blades, after the incredible support of the New Zealand public helped him crowdfund.

His hometown of Nelson began a campaign and raised an incredible $20,000 so Liam could purchase his own set of running blades after he spent his school years coming in last in cross country, running on prosthetics made of wood.

Getting on his blades at 19, he began chasing Rio 2016, targeting the T43 100m, 200m and 400m, the latter being his main bid for gold, quickly impressing head honchos at Paralympics New Zealand.

“I JUST RUN IN CIRCLES AND READ BOOKS, DO THAT FOR TWO YEARS AND IT’S AMAZING WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE!” Standing tall on the blades crowdfunded to get him there, Malone’s dreams were realised in Brazil where he stormed to gold in the 400m and beat disgraced Oscar Pistorius’ record in Rio’s Olympic Stadium.

After lighting up the stadium, Malone’s gratitude to those who helped him on his road to Rio was palpable along with his praise for his father and friends whose support also went a way to help him over the line, and having previously joked in his other Rio interviews and appearance on The Last Leg Live from Rio, this conversation showed a more serious and dedicated side to the sprinter, showing just how much of a contender he actually was, not just a funny Kiwi great for a soundbite.

“IT’LL HAVE TO BE A RAP BATTLE”

After pulling out of the World Championships in London last summer, Channel 4 were hot on his heels to sign him up to be part of their coverage, hoping his wit, charm and cheek would make him an ideal co-host for Lee McKenzie – and they weren’t wrong.

But his true best C4 moment of the Games came on The Last Leg when he appeared alongside Peacock. Missing out on a race on the track, Malone called him out for a rap battle, which The Last Leg had no problems setting up.

Unfortunately for the Kiwi, Adam Hills dubbed Peacock the winner, but if the artificial intelligence industry doesn’t work out, there may be a music career there in waiting.

“I’LL RUN FASTER THAN USAIN BOLT” Cult hero and track legend Bolt long left his competitors in his wake before announcing his retirement having forged his name in the record books and leaving a legacy that will likely never be replicated – let alone beaten.

To go faster than Bolt is unthinkable for some, but last year Malone stunned reporters saying that within three years using sophisticated technology he would cover 100m in 9.4 seconds, 1.8 seconds quicker than Bolt’s world record.

His aims stretched to look at how the artificial body improves quicker than the biological one, but it wouldn’t be done against Paralympians or Bolt himself, rather racing against the time outside of the rules and regulations that limit technology.

“LIAM MALONE TOLD ME HE’D LOST HIS LEGS IN A SHARK ATTACK - I BELIEVED HIM”

Not a direct quote from the ex-Paralympian himself, but one that helps embody the character that he is.

Having battled bullies, depression, anxiety and bereavement throughout his childhood and by his own admission going off the rails, Malone has been famed for his own brand of humour as much as his track prowess.

Whether it was his poker face or nature that led the unsuspecting reporter to believe him, it is a hallmark trait of his relationship with the media and his (now) relationship with his prosthetics.

His easy-going nature and honesty (when he isn’t spreading rumours about himself) has earned him legions of fans and a role of a face of the movement and Paralympic legacy, which leads us to...

“WHEN PEOPLE SAID I WAS INSPIRING KIDS, THIS IS NOT WHAT I IMAGINED” This was Malone’s response to a Twitter message from a young fan, who was so enamoured by the star that he told him that to be just like him, he was going to cut his legs off.

Malone’s dumbfounded response may have been the joke here, but while OnTrack does not advocate the procedure of self-amputation, the underlying note here is one of normality and Malone’s image as a role model to kids both disabled and able-bodied.

Malone is cut in the mould of a role model.

Young, talented, dedicated and cool as a cucumber, Malone is the perfect figure for kids to look up to, all while additionally showcasing what is possible with a disability to the youngest generation regardless of ability.

ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 35

34-35_LiamMalone.indd 35

02/02/2018 10:36

SELF CATERING APARTMENT Clober Farm, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 7HW

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

• 8 accessible luxury lakeside lodges in Devon • 5 Caravan Club CL pitches with electric hook up • Well stocked 1.5 acre coarse fishing lake • Heated indoor pool (Seasonal) • Games Room and Free WiFi • Orchard and woodland walk • Dogs welcome

www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor

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

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

01409 211140 info@blagdonfarm.co.uk www.blagdonfarm.co.uk

ads_OnTrack_febmar18.indd 36

-

02/02/2018 10:56

U13

YOUTH SPORT FOCUS

HEADER

Taking a look at what’s going on in the world of grassroots disability sports

Words by Colette Carr

KU G A T S U DI SABI L I T Y KAR A TE

Kids with disabilities in Glasgow are now learning the art of Shukokai Karate thanks to Karate Fun’s club, Kugatsu Karate-Do.

K

arate Fun instructor Graham McCann, who headed up the pilot, catches us up just hours ahead of kicking off the new weekly programme for kids with a range of physical and learning disabilities and their siblings.

After demand for a dedicated class grew, Graham touched base with local networks and called on the services of older students from the club to help provide an adapted setup for children of school age before the free eight-week pilot programme quickly got off the ground in October.

“Our regular children’s disability classes are starting tonight,” Graham began.

“I’ve been asked quite often about the possibility of a disability class. I got in touch with local Active Schools coordinators and Glasgow Sport to get a plan together for a pilot. We got the funding through from Glasgow Sport for the children’s pilot and a similar pilot project for adults that starts on 6 February,” he said.

The experienced coach explained adaptations are implemented to ensure that all the kids can get the most out of their time at the lessons, but a pathway is in place to allow them to grow and progress through the grading syllabus.

“We can tailor the class to the individual as I have a lot of helpers, so some of the kids can get the one to one attention they need. It’s a slightly different structure in terms of changing activities and keeping the kids engaged. The more helpers we

have the more we can adapt in response to the individual kids and that’s probably the biggest difference between that and the mainstream classes.

“The kids learn the same things as the mainstream class but it’s about adapting so they can learn in ways best suited to them. The mainstream class may be too overwhelming for some but one girl has already moved onto it.”

“We want to create opportunities where the kids can, if they wish, transition to the mainstream class or attend both. It’s really down to what works and what’s right for them. Karate has recently been recognised as a Paralympic sport so it’s also good to be able to offer that aspirational pathway,” Graham added.

But with plans for more funding in place, excitement is only growing around the project.

“Speaking to the kids and the parents and carers, they’re all really looking forward to the classes continuing and we’re getting very positive feedback. We’re really happy with the progress and that it’s now an ongoing weekly class.

“It’s hard work, but it’s the most rewarding class of the week,” Graham shared.

Kugatsu Karate-Do Disability classes run every Thursday evening from 6pm-7pm at Glasgow Club Maryhill, Glasgow. The Kugatsu Karate-Do are members of the Scottish Karate Governing Body. karatefun.co.uk kugatsukarate.co.uk

ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 37

37_Under13-karate.indd 37

02/02/2018 12:59

SMARTTECH

THE FUTURE OF

FITNESS

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

Adidas miCoach Smart Ball Prices from £139.90 Develop your ability to control, strike and manipulate the soccer ball so your on-pitch skills are at their best.

The adidas Smart Ball training system connects to your smartphone to give instant feedback on power, spin, strike and trajectory, along with exclusive tips and guidance, helping you learn and improve with every kick.

Download the adidas Smart Ball app from your app store.

BLUETOOTH CONNECTI VITY

startfitness.co.uk

FreeWheel Prices from £350 Lightweight and durable, the FreeWheel is an attachment that clamps onto the solid footrest at the front of your wheelchair to allow you to traverse rough ground, grassy fields, stony paths and kerbs smoothly.

Made from strong aluminium, it is designed to take the weight of the user and their wheelchair and you can get an attachment for the back of your chair to store the FreeWheel when not in use.

Goalfix Eclipse

spokz.co.uk

Prices from £39

125 GM These top-of-the-range eyeshades are designed to offer total blackout, comfort and protection. They meet IBSA requirements and standards and are suitable for blind and visually impaired sports where total light blackout is required, including goalball, football, cricket and tennis.

goalfixsports.com 38 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

38-39_SportsTech.indd 38

02/02/2018 13:01

SMARTTECH

this flotation device aids buoyancy in people who may have lower body mobility issues

PhysioRoom Water Floatation Belt Price £11.99 Designed to fasten around the wearer’s waist, this flotation device aids buoyancy in people who may have lower body mobility issues, and may only be able to use their arms and trunk while swimming. It provides full lumbar support, and is made from non-water logging EVA foam.

physioroom.com

Awarded the Men’s Health Lab award, this Fitbit includes all the classic features to track daily activity...

300+

SONGS

Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch Prices from £249.99 Awarded the Men’s Health Lab award, this Fitbit includes all the classic features to track daily activity, has automatic sleep tracking, guided breathing sessions, as well as continuous heart rate monitoring and on-screen coaching. You can store over 300 songs, enable calls and texts, download weather and sports apps and the GPS function can also track laps and pace.

argos.co.uk

Active Edge Prices from £1.46 (for 30ml shot) Active Edge CherryActive is a 100% natural, highly concentrated Montmorency cherry juice.

Montmorency cherries are a rich source of numerous plant compounds that can be beneficial in exercise recovery, particularly in times of high volume training. Take a 30ml serving diluted in water within 30 minutes of training or competition for best results.

active-edge. co.uk ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 39

38-39_SportsTech.indd 39

02/02/2018 09:23

CLUB FOCUS

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

Interview by Colette Carr

NEA TH- A FA N GYMNASTIC S Gymnastics is one of the biggest gateway sports about, offering great skills and basis for other sports. At first glance, it doesn’t seem that accessible, but think again...

WHERE TO FIND THEM

Units 6&7, Milland Road Ind Estate, Neath, South Wales, SA11 1NJ

INTERVIEW NICOLA LEWIS WHEN WAS NEATH-AFAN GYMNASTICS FORMED AND

BY WHOM? Neath-Afan Gymnastics Club began in 1996 as a one session a week leisure centre fun activity called Neath Flyers Gymnastics and Trampolining run on a voluntary basis by myself and Rachel Davies.

The gymnastics side grew rapidly and needed better, bigger facilities and more training time so in 2004, the two sections separated. It moved to a small sports centre in Briton Ferry which could provide the additional space and time needed. Rachel continued to run the trampolining club and I ran the gymnastics – though Rachel has continued to coach our gymnastics.

The success of the gymnasts in

40

|

competitions meant I was also having to train at various other venues including Cardiff and so I sought full-time facilities.

In 2010 we moved to our current facility and within three years numbers had grown from 260 to 800 every week and the competition success for gymnasts with disabilities was amazing!

In 2014 we opened a second bigger facility and purchased competitive equipment from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. This became our competition centre and the first became our activities centre offering recreational gymnastic and trampolining based activities aiming to engage as many children and young people and encouraging a love of activity for life.

We now regularly cater for over 1500 participants every week from babies

magazine.co.uk

40-41_ClubFocus-NeathAfan.indd 40

02/02/2018 13:02

Our coaches are all well trained to look for the important traits that our competitive coaches may be looking for.

All our programs have a progressive rewards program. Gymnasts work through a set program, gain badges and certificates as they progress and are constantly monitored to ensure that the program they are in remains appropriate, suitable and challenging for them.

AS WELL AS INCREASED LEVELS OF FITNESS AND HEALTH, HOW ELSE CAN MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM BEING INVOLVED?

“GYMNASTICS IS THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE ANY CHILD FOR A LIFE IN SPORT – ANY SPORT!”

Gymnastics is the best way to prepare any child for a life in sport – any sport!

We are very aware that only a few will go on to be high level gymnasts and so our programs are designed to create an all-around athlete, encouraging a love of physical activity, the ability to work individually as well as becoming a great team player, a good work ethic, the ability and understanding of why they need to juggle training, school work and a home and social life, how to manage and understand their bodies and of course make friends for life!

For teenagers it creates an exciting useful direction, focussing away from the less desirable temptations of young adult life.

to young adults of all ages, genders, abilities and disabilities, from grass roots to high level competition.

We also go out to the community with our ‘Gym in a Van’, running sessions in schools, special schools, nurseries and playgroups offering classes in three satellite centres in outlying areas of the community.

WHAT DISCIPLINES AND LEVELS ARE AVAILABLE? We specialise in women’s artistic gymnastics, but also offer men’s artistic and disabilities at competitive level, along with recreational gymnastics and trampolining, freestyle (parkour), early years for pre-schoolers, teenage specific sessions and of course our No Limits disability gymnastic and trampolining sessions which

incorporates Bouncability, a specialised therapy program using trampolines.

WHAT CAN SOMEONE EXPECT WHEN THEY VISIT THE CLUB FOR THE FIRST TIME? A warm welcome, a personal evaluation of what sessions would most suit the participant, a lovely bright and warm facility, colourful wall murals, lots of lovely safe set ups for learning, friendly, enthusiastic knowledgeable staff and a wonderful learning environment.

ARE ACTIVITIES JUST FOR FUN OR CAN THEY SPRINGBOARD TO GREATER THINGS FOR COMPETITIVE, AMBITIOUS ATHLETES? Neath-Afan has a very successful competitive program so is constantly looking to identify potential new talent.

Many of our older gymnasts move onto our very successful coach mentoring program. As a result, they can give back to the community a taste of the support and enjoyment they gained as a participant.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CLUB? Currently we are on two sites. The practicality of this is not great, but we manage. We would love to be able to find somewhere that we can bring the whole of our programs together under one roof. Hopefully in the process this would also cut our very high overheads.

As a volunteer run social enterprise we do access grant funding to help create new facilities and to kick start new projects, but we get no external assistance for day to day activities, priding ourselves on utilising a very effective self-sustaining business model. neath-afan-gymnastics.com

magazine.co.uk

40-41_ClubFocus-NeathAfan.indd 41

| 41 02/02/2018 09:24

SPORT FOCUS

This issue we explore the Paralympic sport boccia

Words by Katie Campbell

B OWL WITH IT

One of only three Paralympic sports without an Olympic counterpart, boccia is an intelligent game with ancient origins, that challenges athletes physically and mentally.

T

he history of boccia can be traced back to Greece in the 6th century BC, where ancient Greeks played a game where they would throw coins, flat stones, and later, stone balls as far as possible. The game was further refined by the ancient Romans, who adapted the game by adding a stone target, which had to be approached as closely as possible.

From this, a number of games emerged: boules, pétanque, and boccia. Boccia was designed specifically for players with cerebral palsy, but has been opened up to include athletes with other disabilities which affect motor skills, also.

Boccia can be played individually, in pairs, or in teams of three, and games are not segregated by gender. Much like lawn bowls, the aim of boccia is to throw balls towards a target ball – the jack – with the aim of getting their ball as close as possible. Each team take a colour of ball, red or blue, to distinguish

42 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

42-43_SportFocus-Boccia.indd 42

02/02/2018 14:09

SPORT FOCUS

“ T O PLAY BOCCIA AT A NATIONAL O R I NTERNATION AL LEVEL, ATHLETES MU S T HAVE A DISABILITY AND U S E A WH EELCHAIR BE CAUSE OF A NEU R OLOGICAL CONDITION, OR ONE WHI C H H AS SIMILAR EFFECTS.” allows them to push the ball from any angle and with varying degrees of speed, allowing for just as complete control over the boccia ball as any other competitor. their leather balls from the other players.

At the end of each round, the referee measures the distance of the balls closest to the jack, and awards points to each team. Players will receive one point for each of their balls that are closer to the jack than their opponent’s closest ball. The team with the highest number of points is the winner – if there is a draw, an additional ball will be thrown to decide the winner.

As much as boccia is a physical game, it is a Machiavellian exercise in outwitting your opponent. Much like chess, there are tried and tested strategies to confound and distract opponents. It’s a highly tactical game, where competitors are known to let slip a quiet word of discouragement to their opponent to throw their game off further.

To play boccia at a national or international level, athletes must have a disability and use a wheelchair because of a neurological condition, or one which has similar effects. For athletes who have limited use of their hands or feet a ramp can be used in conjunction with a head pointer on the athlete’s head, which

The type of disability determines which of the four classes the athlete will play in: BC1 athletes have cerebral palsy and can propel the ball with their feet or hands, and may have an aide on the court to pass them the ball before their shot. BC2 players have cerebral palsy and have greater functional ability than athletes in the BC1 class, they can use their hands or feet to propel the ball in play. They are not allowed aides. BC3 athletes can have cerebral palsy or another disability which affects motor function in all four limbs, and are unable to propel the ball in play without an aide and an assistive device, such as a ramp. The aide, however, must keep their back to the court and not look at play, in order to prevent overassistance. BC4 athletes have disabilities other than cerebral palsy, but one that affects their motor skills in all four limbs in a similar fashion. These athletes are able to throw the ball without an aide, and are not permitted to have one on court.

Boccia was introduced to the Paralympics in the 1984 Summer Games, which were held in both New York and Stoke Mandeville, and was introduced originally for just athletes with cerebral

palsy, which it remained until the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, when a new system for categorising athletes’ disabilities was introduced, allowing for boccia players without cerebral palsy to play.

Now practiced in 50 countries worldwide, the Rio Paralympics saw 108 athletes compete in seven medal events. While originally, European nations dominated the medal table, countries like China, South Korea and Thailand are achieving more success in the sport in recent years: Thailand, Japan and Brazil top the boccia team world rankings.

Great British athletes hold two top spots in the world rankings. Stephen McGuire from Bellshill in North Lanarkshire, is world number one in the BC4 individual rankings, where he regularly competes both with and against his brother Peter McGuire – he is the most successful British athlete in the BC4 category. The seven-time Scottish champion and ninetime British champion has been selected to compete in the Paralympics twice.

English athlete David Smith is world number one in the BC1 individual category, and has the distinction of holding four Paralympic medals, two of which are gold. Unbeaten at the annual English Nationals and Great British Championships from 2004 until his retirement from national competition in 2016, David has established a legacy for himself as one of the finest boccia players in British history.

ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 43

42-43_SportFocus-Boccia.indd 43

02/02/2018 13:05

throwback

THROWBACK Every issue we take a look at defining moments from the world of disabiity sports

PARA LYMPI C GA MES

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PARALYMPIC GAMES London 2012 catapulted disability sport into the nation’s hearts and into the spotlight. But its long historical and cultural impact is rich, something the National Paralympic Heritage Trust are trying to highlight through a series of projects throughout the country in the lead up to their 2022 opening of a national museum.

S

tarting in March to coincide with the Winter Paralympics, the Trust are opening an exhibition in Norfolk where they are showcasing memories of local and national level to illustrate the true history.

“Norwich, to an extent is our pilot project,” Vicky HopeWalker told OnTrack.

“It’s a really fantastic opportunity for people, particularly with disabilities, to feedback to us. If they visit, they’ll have the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire and maybe join a focus group at the end, but the idea is that we’re kicking off after the Paralympics kick off in South Korea to share both national and local stories and discuss the issues of diversity and equality.

“Some of our activities will be for schools, but on 21 April we’ll have the opportunity for disability organisations, sport and others to have a marketplace in the Cathedral and we’ll have a non-religious service about disability and diversity and then a discussion.

“We open on 3 March and have limited space, so we may not be able to display everything that we get, and we’ve already got a few things, but we would definitely

44 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

44-45_Throwback-ParalympicHeritage.indd 44

02/02/2018 09:30

record everything, and it could be anything! It could be a personal memory of going to an event. You may be disabled, you may not be disabled, it could be about what disability sport means to you, a souvenir, a photograph, if you are involved it could be a medal, and we’ll have a web page launching on 3 March so people will have the opportunity to upload their own things. So even though the exhibition will be up and running, we’re keen for everyone to share their story because everyone’s story is inspiring and particularly on this subject matter does make people think about disability and what it means,” she said.

knowledge of the history of Stoke Mandeville Stadium, another story Vicky is passionate about.

With D-day fast approaching, Vicky has been overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and response from the public lining the venture up to be a success.

“There’s one wonderful story from a lady which I think is quite insightful in the 1950s where she had got to the point where she had to go out in her chair and had to get shoes and she came back with a pair and Guttmann looked at them and said, “they’re ugly – go back and get some other, ones”. She went back again and he didn’t like them until she came back with some bright yellow kitten heels and he said, “that’s more like it!”

“The response has been brilliant, people have been really enthusiastic. We’ve about four or five organisations really putting some energy into it and helping us. The Cathedral has been really, really good and I think the resonance of 2012 is still there, in terms of how this makes a difference.

“For example, there is a lady - who doesn’t have a disability - who carried the flame through Norwich and she said that was the moment of her life, she’s done a lot of work in the disability sport field so things like her memory counts. Some well-known Paralympians who are still performing have come forward and some who have retired, who even the British Paralympic Association have lost track of, so it’s brought people out.

“It’s a remarkable story and a truly unique one.

“A German Jew, Ludwig Guttmann fled Germany, came in and set up this unit and literally changed the lives of people with spinal injuries and ultimately lead to the Paralympic movement changing attitudes towards disability.

“He wanted to make sure people could be treated like everyone else and live a normal life that they deserved and be able to contribute to society.

“I love that story! I think from our point of view we don’t just want to be about the superhuman thing, we want to be about ordinary stories as well.

For the exhibition though, people wishing to contribute will be welcomed with open arms despite limited showroom.

“There is an English lady who lived for a period in Zimbabwe and she represented Zimbabwe, so there are some really interesting stories that have come out,” she smiled.

“Obviously, I’m doing other things too and looking forward and preparing for other venues’ events as well, so Norfolk is really being headed up by our learning and engagement manager, Katy-Jayne Lintott, so people interested in contributing should get in touch with her, but still be aware that from 3 March, people can still contribute online,” she said.

One other aim of the project is to spread wider

Paralympicheritage.org.uk

IT’S A REALLY FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY WITH DISABILITIES, TO FEEDBACK TO US. IF THEY VISIT, THEY’LL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FILL OUT A QUESTIONNAIRE AND MAYBE JOIN A FOCUS GROUP AT THE END...

ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk | 45

44-45_Throwback-ParalympicHeritage.indd 45

02/02/2018 13:06

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TAKING LIFE TO THE NEXT LEVEL Here Danny Greenwood from Platinum Stairlifts tells us about all the activities that stairlift users can take part in to stay active.

A

t Platinum we’re on a mission to show life only improves once a stairlift is installed in your home.

When people use an escalator or elevator nothing is questioned, so why isn’t this the case with a stairlift?

We take users to the next level of their home using a Platinum Stairlift, so we want to help users take other aspects of their life to the next level, helping users achieve confidence both in and out of the home.

Here are some great activities that can be achieved by stairlift users.

SWIMMING

Float like a butterfly without getting stung by a bee with swimming. It benefits every body part, so making this a weekly habit can be great for your health. Regular swimming can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and strokes and with so many options from swimming in the lanes to water yoga, the water is a great support to improving your health and happiness.

our bodies and what we can’t do. With yoga discover what you can do with your body, many classes are available and through the power of the internet you can achieve limits you didn’t even realise were possible. Helping your mind and body become stronger, yoga can introduce you to new focuses and targets to achieve.

TAKE A STROLL OUTSIDE

ARCHERY

Going out for a stroll whether walking or in a wheelchair is the cheapest and simplest option. Getting oxygen to your brain helps you relax and sharpens the mind and there are many routes around the country that can be perfect for a gentle stroll.

Fresh air is great for the body, improving digestion, blood pressure and the immune system.

TABLE TENNIS

Fast or slow pace ping pong is great for a knock about for all ages, so take the flowers off the dining room table and fasten a net across it. Table tennis can be

played standing up or sitting down, getting you to stretch and testing and improving the reactions.

YOGA

We are always told what is wrong with

This is one you could do sat in your stairlift! Maybe not with pointy arrows, but we’re sure you could look at using suction cup arrows as you ride down the stairs.

Seriously though, there are many archery clubs around the country that are very welcoming. Even if your eyes aren’t what they used to be as long as you point it in the right direction, what could go wrong?

Stairlifts are not the end, they are the beginning of growing your confidence.

Don’t be afraid to embrace a Platinum Stairlift, after all it’s only a sit down escalator.

46 | ONTRACKmagazine.co.uk

46_PlatinumStairlifts.indd 46

02/02/2018 09:31

TAKING LIFE TO THE NEXT LEVEL Hand-built in the UK Curved & straight stairlifts Ideal for narrow stairs Suitable for heavy duty Fast installation

CALL TODAY 08000 355 591 WWW.PLATINUMSTAIRLIFTS.COM

ads_OnTrack_febmar18.indd 47

02/02/2018 10:56

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Rhys McCole Young People’s Sport Panel

R

hys McCole is a 16 year old national boxing champion from Greenock who lives with multiple disabilities. He is also part of the Young People’s Sport Panel. Led by sportscotland, supported by Young Scot and The National Lottery, The Young People’s Sport Panel is a national platform created to represent a voice of young people across the country. Currently in its third two-year cycle, Rhys and the 14 other panel members have had the opportunity to influence decision making and drive change to help shape the future of sport in Scotland.

Rhys has been working in particular to raise awareness of disability sport and has connected with the Scottish Disability Sport Young Persons Sport Panel, meeting Lewis McConnell, boccia athlete and Stefan Hoggan, para athlete in triathlon and swimming.

Applications are now open to join the sport panel and Rhys McCole hopes more young people in his region and beyond will apply to become part of the top programme.

“It’s been an honour to have been

48_SportScotland.indd 48

YPSP meet Disability Sport’s Young Person’s Sport Panel members at Inverclyde

selected on the Young People’s Sport Panel. My highlights are so many, it’s all been like a dream! Being at the Rio homecoming event at Oriam was amazing, presenting an award at the sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards in October 2017 and getting the chance to interview staff at Inverclyde National Sports centre and help promote the centre was so cool.”

In 2016, Rhys and the 14 other panel members were selected from over 170 applicants following a five month nationwide recruitment process. With

2018 designated ‘The Year of Young People’, Rhys is keen for the new panel to really make a difference to the future of sport in Scotland. Rhys is also a YOYP Ambassador and he knows that 2018 will be a time to shine for young people: “I can’t believe my time on the panel is coming to an end, I really hope the new panel members really harness the power of ‘The Year of Young People.’ If you are passionate about sport and want to make a difference - apply to join the panel. It’s very exciting and you meet lots of new people, and get to experience loads of new opportunities you would not normally get.

For more information on the sport panel and to apply visit www.sportscotland.org.uk/sportpanel.

Applications are open from Monday 29 January until Thursday 22 February at noon.

02/02/2018 09:32

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE

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

EVERY ISSUE INCLUDES:  Info on getting involved in different sports  Sports club focus  Tips for getting fit  Activities for the whole family  Interviews with Paralympic athletes  Sports news

If you would like OnTrack Magazine delivered to your door every issue free of charge, simply fill in the form below and post it back to the address provided, call us on the number below or drop us an email.

Please post your completed form to: OnTrack Magazine, 2A Publishing Ltd, Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Ind. Est., Glasgow, G46 8JT You can also call 0141 465 2960, email sophie@2apublishing.co.uk or visit www.ontrackmagazine.co.uk.

SUBSCRIPTION FORM Name: Address: Postcode: Tel: Email:

@OnTrack_Mag /ontrackmagazine /ontrackmag

49_Subscription.indd 49

Date of birth: I am subscribing because I am: a disabled person  a sports club  a parent of a disabled child  a professional in the industry 

02/02/2018 11:04

IAIN MATTHEW

This issue we speak to Paralympic gold and silver medallist and amputee footballer Iain Matthew

LAS T L AP THE INTERVIEW

I KNOW YOU WERE A SWIMMER IN A PREVIOUS LIFE. WHAT’S WORSE – SWIMMING IN THE SPANISH HEAT OR PLAYING FOOTBALL IN THE SCOTTISH WINTER?

In the pool it’s fine because it’s cool. I’d actually say I had to swim in the Spanish rain in one of my races. It was a weird feeling actually, because you’re used to getting water on you, but you don’t expect water to be bouncing off your head in the pool, so that’s weird. But what do I prefer? I would prefer to play football in the Scottish winter.

I WOULD THINK THE POOL WOULD BE BETTER, BECAUSE IT WOULD BE COOLER BUT NOT TOO COLD.

NAME OF THE FILM? IT’S A QUESTION I’VE NEVER BEEN ASKED! WHAT COULD IT BE…”THE LEG THAT GOT AWAY.”

But you’re on your own! You’ve got to speak to yourself, and sing to yourself.

DO YOU SING TO YOURSELF IN THE POOL OFTEN?

I do aye! Because you’re on your own, all you do is plod up and down the pool when you’re training. So you end up talking to yourself, singing to yourself, thinking about what you’re having for your tea…

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SONG TO SING TO YOURSELF IN THE POOL, THEN? Favourite song? Ooft. Probably The Beatles. Sometimes a bit of Neil Diamond, a bit of chart music.

IF NETFLIX WERE GOING TO MAKE A MOVIE OF YOUR LIFE, WHO WOULD PLAY YOU AND WHAT WOULD THE MOVIE BE CALLED?

50

|

Tom Cruise or Tom Hanks.

Two of my favourite actors. I would say Tom Hanks.

Name of the film? It’s a question I’ve never been asked!

What it could be…”The Leg That Got Away.”

IF THAT CAME UP IN MY NEW ON NETFLIX LIST, I’D DEFINITELY WATCH THAT. ANOTHER SERIOUS ONE: WOULD YOU RATHER FACE OFF IN THE POOL AGAINST PELE, OR PLAY MICHAEL PHELPS AT FOOTBALL? Michael Phelps, because he’s American, and they don’t play football. Pele’s from Brazil, so he’s more used to going in the pool. So Michael Phelps at football.

OBVIOUSLY SINCE YOU WERE A SWIMMER, YOU’VE GOT A REAL AFFINITY WITH WATER. IF YOU WERE A SEA CREATURE, WHAT KIND OF SEA CREATURE WOULD YOU BE? Well, looking at me now, retired from swimming, it would probably be a whale.

I’d like something just to swim along, easy, just dodging along, but could fight back if attacked. I don’t know what kind of fish that is.

WHAT’S THE BEST PRANK YOU’VE EVER PULLED WITH YOUR PROSTHETIC LEG? I stuck it on a roof once in Moldova. You know when you come out of caves and there’s those stalactites? Well this is in a pub in Moldova – I thought it would be fun to stick my leg on one of these, just so everyone would know where I was.

I’ve drank out it as well, turned it back to front, all of that.

magazine.co.uk

50_LastLap-IainMatthew-2.indd 50

02/02/2018 14:10

www.germany.travel

Discover Germany BarrierFree. Many cities and regions in Germany are able to provide some outstanding facilities for visitors who may need assistance, leaving them to concentrate on all the beauty that Germany has to offer without having to worry about everyday obstacles.

To discover more about accessible Germany visit: www.germany.travel/barrierfree

Dresden: Zwinger Palace Š TMGS S.Dittrich

_accessible

ads_OnTrack_febmar18.indd 51

02/02/2018 10:56

What gets

you back

on your

feet?

Robert Woo

Paraplegic since 2007 ReWalker since 2011

Test

ReWalk

Exoskeleton

cost-free now!

www.rewalk.com | Email: contact@rewalk.com | Phone: 07469 254453

ads_OnTrack_febmar18.indd 52

02/02/2018 10:57