Whenever the New  York marathon takes place, I am astonished at the speed of some of the wheelchairs that go around the twenty six mile course.  The one thing I have never seen though, is a normal, standard power wheelchair.  There is nothing to stop someone using a standard power wheelchair, although if they did, they would probably not finish any ware near the customized chairs, which the winning wheelchair athletes use. 

There are many activities and sports that anyone using a manual wheelchair can do, I’ve seen ballroom dancing, basketball, line dancing, handball and tennis just to name a few.  Of course, if you want to take your sport or activity to the next level, then a purposely built chair, for that particular activity, will probably be the best route, although an expensive one. 

Have you ever seen a normal manual wheelchair going round a skate park, doing the kind of tricks that you normally see done by guys or girls, on BMX bikes?  No, then take a look at the worlds first wheelchair back flip.  These guys are either nuts, brave or just down right stupid.  I think they are brilliant, and an inspiration to all. 

If there is any activity you want to take part in, then don’t let your wheelchair stop you.  If you have a manual wheelchair or a power wheelchair, there should be no difference, you can still take part in any sport and almost any activity, even sky diving, but I’d leave behind the wheelchair on that one. 

Most sports centers will cater for wheelchair activities, but if they do not, then you have every right in the world to make sure they do.  It is not just a great way to meet other people, but an excellent way to keep fit.   

Wheelchair sports and activities don’t have to cost a fortune or need specialist chairs.  Almost every community has some kind of activity that is either especially for wheelchair users, or a mixed participation activity.  So get out there and wheel yourself to anything you want to be doing.