Richard ‘Dick’ Cordukes and Chris Sparks have been mates for over 40 years and share more than a few common bonds.
They are both keen outdoorsmen, love their sport and have travelled internationally to dozens of countries. They also both survived a spinal cord injury, meaning they’ve spent most of their lives as wheelchair users.
And they are both Paralympians. Cordukes was a world record breaking track athlete and Sparks a member of the Aussie Rollers men’s wheelchair basketball team. Both represented Australia, competing at the Seoul Paralympics in 1988.
Now, at the end of the month, they’ll take another journey together. Together with some loyal mates they’ll trek to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain peak, to boost awareness of the Australian Paralympic movement and raise money to support future Paralympians in their endeavours.
“After my injury, I got so much from disability sport and the Paralympic experience; this is just my way of giving a little bit back,” Cordukes explained.
He added that the work of NSW National Parks means what used to be solely a mountaineers’ trek is now doable for those who get around on wheels – however, worried that not just any set of wheels could tackle the rigours of the mountain, he contacted Sparks for ideas.
Sparks was just announced as an ambassador for specialist Australian power chair manufacturer Magic Mobility, which recently released two new off-road chairs that Sparks reckons will be more than up to the challenge.
“I will be in the 4WD XT4 and Richard is going to trial the 2WD XT2 that boasts extraordinary battery range,” he said. Both chairs have front and rear independent suspension, which Sparks hopes will ease out the bumps and potholes on their 19km “roll”.
Sparks claims to be one of the founding members of the legendary ‘Dick Recovery Team’ (DRT). He said he has spent a good chunk of his life watching Richard get into trouble and somehow miraculously avoiding harm with the speedy intervention of the ever-growing DRT.
“Richard is one of those guys who comes up with an idea and just goes for it, no matter how difficult, dangerous or downright crazy, and sometimes he finds him in a bit of a pickle,” Sparks joked. With the off-road capabilities of Magic Mobility’s chairs, he’s confident the trip to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko will go without incident!
The ascent will take place on Saturday 30 November. The team aims to raise $20,000 for the Australian Paralympic Team. Donate to the cause here.