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Wheelchair Sport started during World War II in Great Britain , as rehabilitation for injured soldiers. Western Australia was the pioneer state in Australia for Wheelchair Sport, starting in 1954 at the Shenton Park Rehabilitation Hospital by the late Sir George Bedbrook and John Johnston.
As the programme developed, a sub-committee of the Paraplegic-Quadriplegic Association was formed, known as the Western Wheelies in 1984. In 1989 the Wheelchair Sports WA Association was born, and has continued to grow ever since.
Many successful Paralympians started their careers in Perth, Louise Sauvage (Track), Priya Cooper (Swimming) and Bruce Wallrodt (Field) are all world champions in their sport. Frank Ponta (Athletics/Basketball) was a 5-time Paralympian, and for the last 20 years has been a driving force behind the Junior Wheelchair Sports programs.
And now, we look forward to the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, with many of our members expected to be participating.
Wheelchair Sports WA has accepted the challenge of, for the first time, writing about the history of Wheelchair Sport in this state. The history has been realeased and is available upon request.. If you would like a copy - please contact the Wheelchair Sports WA office.
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