Paralympians set to make the most of new Oz Day 10K

Decorated Paralympians and celebrated wheelchair athletes from across the globe will take part in the international 2017 GIO Summer Down Under series this Australia Day at Sydney’s The Rocks.

The first race since the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games, the 28th annual GIO Oz Day 10K will see leading athletes battle it out on a new track for a record holding win.

With the course rerouted to reach around from The Rocks to Barangaroo, the competition is expected to be fierce.

Australia’s Kurt Fearnley will return to the event after placing silver at the Rio Paralympic, the 10-time winner looking to secure a record 11th win to go one up on all time great Louise Sauvage’s 10 wins.

At least 10 nations are set to compete in the open fields alongside a host of Australian champions who also provide the inspiration to the juniors. Under 18’s Julie Charlton and Cormac Ryan are just a few of the young guns making their mark on the Oz Day 10K track, taking on junior world number two and Australian Paralympian Rheed McCracken.

 Several free events are open to the public in January, offering the rare chance for an up-close-and-personal look at the immense skill, strength and determination of these incredible athletes.

Ahead of the main event the Race on Rollers was held on 9th and 10th January at Fitness First in Bondi Junction.

The unique experience saw non-disabled exercisers trying out wheelchairs, competing against one another in a 60 second sprint with Kurt Fearnley, Louise Sauvage, Madison de Rozario, Joshua George and Wheelchair Sports NSW’s new Ambassador Bryan Fletcher providing support.

Yesterday (Tuesday 24th January), the Sydney Skins Track Meet was held at Blacktown International Sportspark Athletics Centre allowing a special glimpse into an intense training session for world-class athletes.

The race begins at 9am and is free for the public to watch beginning and ending outside Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

Looking forward to the event, Wheelchair Sports NSW Chief Executive Jim O’Brien stated “the GIO Oz Day 10K truly is an exhilarating race and a significant international event for Wheelchair Sports NSW.

“Aside from the race, it’s an opportunity for our younger racers to meet and train with renowned athletes that can inspire and mentor them to be the best they can be.

“Australia’s placement of fifth in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games is a testament to our athletes’ determination and will to be the best. The GIO Oz Day 10K is another opportunity for them to build their world ranking and challenge international rivals.”

For more information got to wsnsw.org.au/sports/summer-down-under

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