When you meet Aimee, her smile is big and her
natural charisma is disarming. She’s now 17 years old
and proudly shares that she recently earned her
provisional driving licence after re-learning to drive
in a car that’s been modified for paraplegic drivers.
“In that moment … her life has completely changed.
Before the accident, just six months ago, she led
such an active life,” Julie said.
“The invitation by Wheelchair Sports NSW to attend
a mentoring day a couple of months ago has been
one of the best things that has happened to us
since the accident. At the day, Aimee was given
the chance to get in and try one of the Newcastle
Permanent Charitable Foundation race chairs.”
Wheelchair Sports NSW received a grant from the
Charitable Foundation in 2017 to purchase four
specialised racing wheelchairs for the Northern
Region Track and Road Athletics Program. The
purchase of the chairs means that people living on
the Central Coast, Hunter region, and Mid North
Coast have the same opportunity to become
involved in wheelchair racing as those living in
Sydney or other major cities.
Joe Shoebridge, Regional Sports Development
Officer for Wheelchair Sports NSW, said the program
was not about elite athletes, but ensuring people in
regional areas have access to sport and a healthy
lifestyle, just like any able-bodied person.
“By their nature, wheelchair sports are expensive.
These specialised wheelchairs are valued at more
than $6,000 each.
“For ordinary families such as Aimee’s, the purchase
of one of these chairs is an additional expense that
most aren’t able to accommodate during a time when
the strain of unexpected medical, home, and vehicle
modification expenses is being felt,” Joe said.
“After that first circuit around the track in that chair
… the smile on her face … it was huge,” Julie said
“She said to me, ‘Mum, that’s the first time I’ve
felt normal since the accident’,” Julie said, fighting
back tears.
“Aimee can never return to her previous sports due
to her injury but with the racing chair she has the
opportunity to try a new sport. But this, racing in
the chair, she loves this.”
“In seven months Aimee has gone from training and
competitions with her old sports to now training in
her track chair and competing in her first competitive
wheelchair racing event.
“We are so grateful for the generosity and support
that has been given to our family,” Julie said.