Racing wheelchairs donated to Guernsey Athletics

Tuesday 30 July 2024

Guernsey Athletics wants to build a robust wheelchair racing programme.

Racing wheelchairs are now available at Footes Lane and for various races after a donation by EY.

The club is in the process of establishing wheelchair racing training sessions, which will feature a “have a go” element to encourage newcomers to the sport as well as being available to more experienced athletes.

Chris Gillman, Guernsey Athletics Club’s Endurance Director: "We are excited about the potential of these training sessions to introduce more people to wheelchair racing. We're starting with events like the EY Easter Running Festival and the Guernsey Half Marathon, but we see this as just the beginning. We hope to expand our offerings and build a robust wheelchair racing programme." 

Caroline Barby, Active 8 Inclusion Officer in the Sport and Recreation team at the States of Guernsey, saud they were delighted to support Guernsey Athletics in their mission to make sports more inclusive.

"These racing wheelchairs are not just equipment; they are vehicles of change, enabling people to experience the benefits of participating in a sport, as well as the thrill of racing and the camaraderie of competition. As well as EY, thanks also go to Condor Ferries and Breakwells Transport Ltd who assisted by providing free transportation and logistical support to ensure the racing wheelchairs reached the island.”  

Ove Svejstrup, EY’s Assurance Partner, said: "Donating racing wheelchairs to the Guernsey Athletics Club goes beyond sponsorship. It's about our commitment to inclusivity and the unifying power of sport. Our longstanding support of the EY Easter Running Festival and initiatives like Pride in Sport reflect our deep commitment to enriching our community and embracing every individual's potential and now more people will have the opportunity to participate."  

 For more information or to get involved with the racing wheelchair programme, contact Guernsey Athletics.