It was fun and games for the young and older at the Return2Sport Expo. Almost every sport, recreation and leisure activity you could think of was there to enjoy. Making its debut at the expo was the Top Shot simulator that gave sports fans the chance to test their skills against simulated players. Whether it was basketball, cricket, golf, soccer or ice hockey those in wheelchairs were also keen to score points against their screen rivals. Operations manager Kevin Lewinsky said it was the only portable simulator for indoor/outdoor use available in Australia.
Scaling a rock wall never looked so easy either and you did not have to be able bodied to participate. Sport Climbing Australia set up a 25-foot rock wall at the expo for those keen to climb to new heights. There is almost no age limit when it comes to sport and recreation opportunities and 10-year old Harry Clist sets a good example. He began playing wheelchair rugby when he was seven years old and told F2L his ambition is to play for Australia but admitted he would love to “play league” and is an ardent NRL fan to boot.
It was not just sporting activities getting attention at the expo. Freedom Motors Australia unveiled a new harness that easily and safely transfers a person from a wheelchair into a conventional car seat. The Milford Person Lift can be attached to multiple points within a vehicle and has a weight capacity up to 150kg. The removable hoist arm is easily stored in the car boot. The equipment includes a selection of slings in various colour-coded sizes.
The expo is an annual event held at Sydney Olympic Park. Return2Sport organises a variety of sporting programs that are held throughout the year. For information on the sporting programs email: return2sport@royalrehab.com.au or phone 02 8607 6507