Push gathers momentum to establish Tamworth wheelchair sports organisation

Catherine Rae and David Plummer have been the driving forces behind the push to set-up an association in Tamworth but are seeking support from the local community.

"We're looking for sponsors and people to be involved," Plummer said.

After being delayed because of COVID, they will on Tuesday hold a meeting where they hope to take the first step by forming a committee.

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Rae said they have had a few people express interest in being involved but would welcome anyone that wants to help out.

"The more the merrier," she said.

Operating under the Wheelchair Sports NSW umbrella, Plummer said they want to "go beyond the come-and-try days". They want to run regular competitions, and training.

For Rae the mission is a deeply personal one.

She was an avid polocrosse player before an accident left her with a spinal cord injury, and she has been unable to play sport since. The main reason being there is "no real opportunity here in Tamworth".

Her eyes were opened to the possibilities and opportunities last year when she spent some time at Sargood on Collaroy, which is purpose-built resort for people with spinal injuries.

As part of their services they offer a range of activities for guests.

While she was down there Rae went surfing and snorkelling. She was also supposed to go sailing one day but it was deemed too windy so instead they put on a come-and-try rugby league day.

"I came off and was like this is fantastic," she said.

"I can have fun while playing sport.

"That stoked the fire a bit to get something happening and be able to play a team sport."

For Plummer too the inspiration is a personal one.

"My son (Raphael) was in a car accident last year and ended up in a wheelchair," he said.

He was in his first year of hockey and was loving it.

They were put on to Rae by Raphael's physio Ann Bunchan.

After hearing her vision, Plummer put his hand up to be involved.

Rae said there are multiple benefits for people like herself to having access to regular competition.

Not only does it provide an opportunity to get some exercise whilst having fun, it is play a valuable peer support role.

"It's easier to speak to someone that's dealing with the same stuff," she said.

"That's vitally important."

"Especially when you come from rehab.

"You have so much support down there."

"Then you come back into regional areas and then you kind of have nothing, especially other people that are in the same situation."

She stressed it's not just for people in wheelchairs, and suggested people with "dodgy knees" might like to get involved.

"Also it helps to have able bodied people around to help us get into our chairs," she said.

"And we need umpires and scorekeepers".

One of the beauties too of sports like basketball and rugby league is that able-bodied people can play as well.

"It's an opportunity for people in wheelchairs to actually play sports with your family and friends," Rae said.

Once they form a committee the plan is to start the process of applying for grants and fundraising to purchase some wheelchairs.