Para Wheelchair
22nd November 2023
Cross-country running is a popular after school activity in Mary Queen of Peace PS, with the boys’ and girls’ team competing in the Athletics NI Primary Schools’ League. In February 2023 the girls finished sixth in the team race on finals’ day, a huge achievement with the competition attracting approximately 4,000 runners from 400 schools across the country.
This year, for the first time, we had a wheelchair participant who competed in round one of the Causeway Coast regional races. Following on from the first taste of wheelchair racing, our pupil attended Athletics NI’s Para Wheelchair training programme. This included an opportunity to use the special bike (see photograph) and learn the techniques for manoeuvring the equipment around the Mary Peters’ track, finishing with a 100m dash to the line in just 36 seconds. Admittedly there were sore shoulders the next morning but it was a super opportunity to take part in such a high-profile sport!
Mary Queen of Peace Primary School appreciates the support of Athletics NI and the Ulster Council of the GAA, who have encouraged access to sport for all. Our wheelchair athlete is well supported by his parents, staff and classmates. We are very proud of your achievements and always done with a smile.
