DEAR News Of The Area,

Having read the story printed about York St Oval’s upgrade and that Little Athletics is having some success in having its sporting area upgraded – and the statement that training on wet ground is hard – I thought I would point out just how hard it is for a wheelchair athlete to train on grass – period.

I have competed in the Pan Pac Masters Games in my race chair in the 100-metre, ,200m and 400m races.

For me to train for these events I have to train on my local roads, or I have to leave the district and train in Tamworth, on the Gold Coast or in Newcastle.

So York St is not for all abilities.

I tried training with the seniors athletics in Toormina, it was also on grass.

I found it impossible to sustain, as grass and wheelchairs don’t work well together.

It causes injury strains on joints and shoulders and can be dangerous.

Regards,
Henry DUCHATEAU,
Coffs Harbour.