Wheelchair Sports NSW
Caitlins Story Donate Now
Generally to play sport, all an able bodied person needs is a pair of trainers, a tracksuit and depending on what sport you play a racquet and a ball. Unfortunately it’s not always that easy for our members with a disability. Their biggest obstacle is acquiring a suitable sports wheelchair. Through the wheelchair loan program, we are able to provide our members with the opportunity to try different sports before purchasing their own specific sports wheelchair.
I continue to be inspired by our members who have the courage, skills and dedication needed to overcome barriers and strive for their dreams. I would like to share a story with you of a young girl who we supported and how sport has changed her life.
Twenty four year old Caitlin went through a tragic accident at eighteen years of age which changed her life forever. Caitlin is now living with a disability and is completely wheelchair dependant.
“In 2005 I was studying Equine Science at university in Wagga Wagga. One day I was on a cross country horse riding course with my teacher and classmates, and for some inexplicable reason my horse panicked and bolted. While out of control, my horse tried to make a jump and I was thrown to the ground and knocked unconscious.
I don’t remember a whole lot of the accident, but I was rushed to hospital and spent the night in intensive care. Soon after I was airlifted to a Sydney hospital and operated on immediately. I thought I may have only broken my legs, but I was completely unaware of the seriousness of my injuries. It was actually a lot more serious than that, I had severely damaged my spine at the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae and would live my life as a paraplegic. A wheelchair would become my ‘legs’.”
Caitlin spent six months recovering in hospital undergoing rehabilitation. With strong support from her family and friends, she continued to keep up with her studies and focus on her abilities rather than her disability.
“Recovery was an extremely overwhelming and difficult time for me. I had to relearn simple things in life such as; getting dressed, driving a car and going to the bathroom. I was fortunate that during my recovery I was introduced to wheelchair basketball. This was a great escape for me being able to try something fun, while regaining my strength and motor skills.
Finally, I moved back home with my parents after hospital and was determined to get back on track with my uni work and moved back to Wagga Wagga not long after.
I think a defining moment for me was when I first got back on a horse! I was extremely apprehensive about it, but needed to get back on track with my life and this was the starting point.”
Once Caitlin returned to Wagga Wagga, she was introduced to the women’s wheelchair basketball team, some of whom had been through similar situations as Caitlin.
“I was inspired by my team mates and their amazing achievements. I am playing alongside Paralympians, elite sports women who through their own crises had turned to sport as a way of reconnecting with society. I joined the Women’s Wheelchair Basketball squad and felt part of a team and felt I was finally on an even playing field.
I graduated at the end of 2007 with a Bachelor of Applied Science and soon after landed a job with Gai Waterhouse at her stables in Randwick. I worked along side Gai for two years before I decided to go back to study and was accepted for a Veterinary Science degree.
Now six years on from my accident I am playing in my 5th season of wheelchair basketball with the Sydney University Flames in the National Women’s League. My goal is to be accepted to represent the Australian women’s squad at the World Women’s Under 25yrs Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Canada.”
This inspiring young woman “got back on the horse” so to speak, and got on with life. From time to time we also have to pick ourselves up and “get back on the horse” after facing adversity. However, our ride is never as rough as what Caitlin and other exceptional individuals like her have endured.
When I asked Caitlin what difference Wheelchair Sports NSW has made to her life, she answered without hesitation, “They supported me with the huge expense of purchasing my own sports wheelchair. I am more confident now and I feel part of a larger family.”
Caitlin is just one example of how sport can impact young lives. Please be part of helping our members with opportunities to play sport and pledge your donation today.
Thank you for your support.
Warm regards,
Jim O'Brien
Generally to play sport, all an able bodied person needs is a pair of trainers, a tracksuit and depending on what sport you play a racquet and a ball. Unfortunately it’s not always that easy for our members with a disability. Their biggest obstacle is acquiring a suitable sports wheelchair. Through the wheelchair loan program, we are able to provide our members with the opportunity to try different sports before purchasing their own specific sports wheelchair.
I continue to be inspired by our members who have the courage, skills and dedication needed to overcome barriers and strive for their dreams. I would like to share a story with you of a young girl who we supported and how sport has changed her life.
Twenty four year old Caitlin went through a tragic accident at eighteen years of age which changed her life forever. Caitlin is now living with a disability and is completely wheelchair dependant.
“In 2005 I was studying Equine Science at university in Wagga Wagga. One day I was on a cross country horse riding course with my teacher and classmates, and for some inexplicable reason my horse panicked and bolted. While out of control, my horse tried to make a jump and I was thrown to the ground and knocked unconscious.
I don’t remember a whole lot of the accident, but I was rushed to hospital and spent the night in intensive care. Soon after I was airlifted to a Sydney hospital and operated on immediately. I thought I may have only broken my legs, but I was completely unaware of the seriousness of my injuries. It was actually a lot more serious than that, I had severely damaged my spine at the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae and would live my life as a paraplegic. A wheelchair would become my ‘legs’.”
Caitlin spent six months recovering in hospital undergoing rehabilitation. With strong support from her family and friends, she continued to keep up with her studies and focus on her abilities rather than her disability.
“Recovery was an extremely overwhelming and difficult time for me. I had to relearn simple things in life such as; getting dressed, driving a car and going to the bathroom. I was fortunate that during my recovery I was introduced to wheelchair basketball. This was a great escape for me being able to try something fun, while regaining my strength and motor skills.
Finally, I moved back home with my parents after hospital and was determined to get back on track with my uni work and moved back to Wagga Wagga not long after.
I think a defining moment for me was when I first got back on a horse! I was extremely apprehensive about it, but needed to get back on track with my life and this was the starting point.”
Once Caitlin returned to Wagga Wagga, she was introduced to the women’s wheelchair basketball team, some of whom had been through similar situations as Caitlin.
“I was inspired by my team mates and their amazing achievements. I am playing alongside Paralympians, elite sports women who through their own crises had turned to sport as a way of reconnecting with society. I joined the Women’s Wheelchair Basketball squad and felt part of a team and felt I was finally on an even playing field.
I graduated at the end of 2007 with a Bachelor of Applied Science and soon after landed a job with Gai Waterhouse at her stables in Randwick. I worked along side Gai for two years before I decided to go back to study and was accepted for a Veterinary Science degree.
Now six years on from my accident I am playing in my 5th season of wheelchair basketball with the Sydney University Flames in the National Women’s League. My goal is to be accepted to represent the Australian women’s squad at the World Women’s Under 25yrs Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Canada.”
This inspiring young woman “got back on the horse” so to speak, and got on with life. From time to time we also have to pick ourselves up and “get back on the horse” after facing adversity. However, our ride is never as rough as what Caitlin and other exceptional individuals like her have endured.
When I asked Caitlin what difference Wheelchair Sports NSW has made to her life, she answered without hesitation, “They supported me with the huge expense of purchasing my own sports wheelchair. I am more confident now and I feel part of a larger family.”
Caitlin is just one example of how sport can impact young lives. Please be part of helping our members with opportunities to play sport and pledge your donation today.
Thank you for your support.
Warm regards,
Jim O'Brien
