Source link : https://news-sports.org/2024/11/10/disability-sport/retired-paralympian-gerry-hewson-calls-for-stronger-pathways-to-elite-para-sports-following-eye-opening-survey-results/
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Tallow Ra: A Passion for Wheelchair Basketball
The enthusiasm that Tallow Ra exhibits for wheelchair basketball is palpable; it dominates his conversations. Earlier this year, he even pleaded to remain at home instead of joining his family on a vacation to continue his training regimen. At just 12 years old, Tallow plays for the Hills Hornets based in Sydney, having discovered the sport two years prior. “The thrill of competition and striving for victory is incredibly enjoyable,” Tallow remarked. “It’s about the entire community—making friends and connecting with those who share similar experiences.”
While Tallow thrives on the camaraderie and challenges sports provide, many children have not shared this same experience. Recent findings from Allianz indicate that half of the 189 parents surveyed reported their children with disabilities discontinue participation in school sports before reaching age 11. Factors contributing to this trend often include the high costs associated with specialized equipment, venues that lack accessibility, and feelings of unease when competing alongside non-disabled peers.
Understanding Participation Barriers
Retired Paralympian Gerry Hewson advocates passionately for enhanced access to sports opportunities for disabled youth. He poses a crucial question: “How many kids are missing out on sport due to these barriers?”
Statistics reveal that approximately one in five Australians lives with a disability; among them, only about 24% engage in sporting activities weekly—this starkly contrasts with around 41% participation among non-disabled Australians. According to data from Paralympics Australia, three-quarters of individuals with disabilities express interest in playing sport but encounter significant impediments.
These hurdles significantly affect school-aged children like Tallow. For families already facing economic strain from rising living costs—including what they contribute toward typical club fees—the additional financial burden posed by specialized wheelchairs (ranging anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000) can be overwhelming.
Hewson reflects on his own experiences as a member of Australia’s gold medal-winning wheelchair basketball squad at the 1996 Paralympics and acknowledges how costly equipment further complicates matters—especially when pursuing multiple adaptive sports requiring distinct types of wheelchairs.
Tallow’s mother Sua Ra echoes these sentiments as well: “Often we find ourselves journeying up to an hour just so he can attend training sessions—a logistical challenge present-day families might find difficult.” The increased awareness teenagers develop regarding their disabilities might also exacerbate unease about participating alongside peers without disabilities—a struggle shared by dual-sport Paralympian Rae Anderson.
“When I was younger,” Anderson recalls, “I didn’t fully recognize my differences due to my disability until I reached high school.”
Creating an Inclusive Future
Hewson calls attention to necessary changes within community structures aiming to promote inclusive sporting environments where disabled children can thrive alongside their non-disabled counterparts through accessible venues and improved coach education programs within mainstream institutions.
“I believe it’s crucial for coaches adapting their approaches,” Hewson emphasized while discussing enhancing pathways toward elite athletics for individuals living with disabilities must be prioritized as well.
“It’s essential we approach these challenges creatively—as coaches look beyond limitations,” he affirmed while pushing forth notions centered around equitable funding between Para-sports versus traditional sporting categories.
This inequality extends particularly across programs necessitating higher investment due directly correlating expenses incurred by athletes’ required equipment.
Inspiring narratives play pivotal roles too; Hewson insists images showcasing possibilities empower young athletes navigating through such obstacles.” Kids who live with disabilities deserve role models,” he declared ardently driving insights towards motivation-focused initiatives allowing participants historical context affected historically underfunded spheres too deeply entrenched stigma surrounding adaptation requirements met across society gaps present alike overall inequitable opportunity landscapes hinder athletic passions often discourage thoughtful engagement prospects brimming potential growth margins otherwise unimaginable integrate successfully unite communities seamlessly bridging ever-rising adversities ahead together collaboratively forging new paths forward each challenged aspect optimized transforming success stories reality!
Parents like Ms Ra value social enrichment derived undoubtedly developing confidence her son possesses into finding genuine acceptance seamlessly integrating via regular interactions fellow players throughout each experience shaping friendships lasting far beyond arena walls way.”
“[For Tallow], it’s mainly about feeling ordinary—not singled out because others (disabilities). Normalizing engagements here reminds everyone possibility exists,” she expressed proudly affirming importance reinforcing impacts upon continuity movement advocating change effectively delivered actions moving forth enabling voices echo loudly throughout youth seeking inclusion exploring journeys cultivating deeper richer lives touched limitless venues existing greater grounds repeatedly calling invitations genuine encounters creating lasting bonds integral strength invigorate playing today!
Ultimately returning back full circle provides reason motivates why participating remains critical overall influences shaping culture transcending manifesting excitement welcoming everyone eager join explorations thriving life enriching every moment encountered ultimately brightly lightening courts lively pulse excitement generating joy rebounding unison leading dreams realized encompassing unity fostering futures promising forge forward!
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The post Retired Paralympian Gerry Hewson Calls for Stronger Pathways to Elite Para Sports Following Eye-Opening Survey Results first appeared on News Sports.
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Author : News-Sports
Publish date : 2024-11-10 14:53:38
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