Don’t dis’ my ability at the ‘Wheels for a Day’ wheelchair challenge

Instead of putting yourself in someone’s shoes for a day, Hunter New England Health and Paraquad NSW are asking you to try on someone’s wheels for a change.

As part of Spinal Injuries Awareness Week, ParaQuad NSW and HNE Health Spinal Cord Injury Service will host the ‘Wheels for a Day’ wheelchair challenge for the first time in the Newcastle region.

‘Wheels for a Day’ responds to the large and growing population of people with a spinal cord injury in the Hunter region. Australia-wide, around 10,000 people are currently living with a spinal cord injury, with nearly 400 new injuries reported each year.

“It’s fantastic that we can finally hold this event in Newcastle,” HNE Health’s Spinal Cord Injury Service Manager Kylie Jones said.

“It’s an event we’ve wanted to host for quite some time. Hopefully now, in Spinal Injuries Awareness Week, we can educate people about the effects of spinal injuries and the fulfilled life that can be led afterwards.

And a well known HNE Health face will be in attendance. HNE Health Chief Executive Dr Nigel Lyons will take part in the wheelchair challenge.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to represent the Area Health Service in this race. The ‘Wheels for a Day’ initiative highlights an important need in Australian society to look beyond social barriers and focus on ability, not disability,” Dr Lyons said.

Other local famous faces will also participate on the day, with representatives from Sparke Helmore, Lake Macquarie City Council and Hunter Water all taking part. Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor John Tate will also participate in the hand cycle race which will highlight some of the challenges that wheelchair uses face daily.

‘Wheels for a Day’ is a registered event of International Day of People with a Disability and the Don't DISmyABILITY campaign.

ParaQuad NSW is a not-for-profit member-based association striving to support people with spinal cord injury to achieve their choices in life. ParaQuad is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. For more information visit www.paraquad.org.au
The ‘Wheels for a Day’ initiative will be held on Friday 12 November 2010 between 10:30am and 12:30pm at the Foreshore Promenade (near Maritime Museum at Lee Wharf, Honeysuckle) in Newcastle.

Contact: Abbey Wright

Phone: (02) 4921 4477