Windsor wheelchair relay challenge advancer

by Justin Prince

The Windsor Family Credit Union Centre is hosting a charity event to raise money for people affected by spinal cord injuries Sept. 29.

The seventh annual Spinal Cord Injury Ontario Wheelchair Relay Challenge is being held in the WFCU Centre’s main gym.

Each year the relay challenge has teams of five compete against each other through an obstacle course where each person is required to do various tasks.  Prizes are also given out at the competition, including the Most Determined Team award given to last place finishers.  On average there are 10 to 20 teams competing each year.  The event organizers will be providing wheelchairs for competitors throughout the day.

“The wheelchair challenge is a way for our organization to raise awareness and funds for people with spinal cord injuries,” said Sheilla O’Neill, community development officer for SCIO and main organizer of the Windsor Wheelchair Relay Challenge.  “It’s a day for families, corporate team-building, for friends to come out.”

According to O’Neill, the event will feature a motivational speaker from the Windsor area who suffers from a spinal cord injury, as well as special appearances by members of the Windsor Spitfires and Windsor Express.

The SCIO website says there are 33,000 people who suffer from spinal cord injuries in Ontario, with the leading causes being unintentional falls and car accidents.

“Have others experienced what it’s like to do everyday tasks in a wheelchair?  It’s a challenge,” O’Neill said.  “We show people that challenge in a fun and supportive way.”

O’Neill said registration ended Sept. 25 but anyone who wants to participate can come on the day of the event.

Johanna Beneteau has volunteered with the Windsor Wheelchair Relay Challenge for three years.  She said her family gets involved as well.

“My sons compete in it every year and they have a lot of fun. It’s good teaching for them because you’re giving back to the community and having fun at the same time,” she said.

Registration starts at 1 p.m. and the competition at 2 p.m.  The event is open to all ages.