Marsh helps launch wheel

WA cricket star Shaun Marsh joined Olympians and Paralympians at the Eaton Recreation Centre yesterday to launch a major national program.

About 200 schoolchildren were expected at yesterday’s Healing thru’ Wheeling clinic, where wheelchair basketball was used to raise awareness of the challenges and support available to people with a disability.

The program was also designed to bring Aboriginal and other members of the community together.

Among the luminaries in attendance were Australian men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball captains Brad Ness and Kat O’Kelly.

Triple Paralympic medallist Brad Scott, who was last month named the South Western Times AJ (Tood) Buswell Sport Star of the Year, also lent a hand as did Olympic gymnasts Olivia Vivian and Emily Little.

Members of the South West Slammers also hit the court.

Marsh, who yesterday swapped his bat for a wheelchair, was trying the sport for the first time.

“I’ve watched it on TV a few times and it’s physical,” he said.

“To be in a wheelchair today and see how the guys and girls go about it is great.”

O’Kelly, part of the Red Dust Heelers wheelchair basketball team, helped organise the event.

“We’re a new team and our sole focus is getting out into the community and creating disability awareness and involvement in sport and recreation,” she said.

“We have an indigenous focus as well and we’d love to find the next big indigenous talent for Paralympic sport.”