Para-athlete star Lewis sets her sights on London Games
Photos
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Jessica Lewis in her special wheelchair designed for track racing.
This year, Bermudian para-athlete Jessica Lewis felt the wind in her hair as she took part in wheelchair track events in the United States, easily holding her own with more seasoned racers.
Now she wants to take her wheelchair racing career all the way to the top but she needs some help financially to make her dream a reality.
Local artists are being asked to put their creative powers to good use to help the Bermuda Paralympic Association (BPARAS) raise money to send Lewis and other para-athletes to the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, England.
The BPARAS will hold a fundraising exhibition at the Bermuda Society of Arts Gallery (BSOA) in City Hall, from January 27 to February 15. The BSOA are appealing to artists to donate artwork of all media to be sold, or to donate a percentage of sale proceeds.
“For Jessica Lewis, the opportunity to represent Bermuda in track and field events at the 2012 Paralympics is a dream come true,” said Jennifer Southern, BPARAS secretary. “Jessica has reached qualifying standard in just three years, after being inspired by attending the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008.
“Previously active in other sports, Jessica decided to concentrate on wheelchair racing in 2008 and has subsequently raced competitively in the 100, 200 and 400 metres in several overseas events. Presently, she is at Brock University in Canada studying recreational therapy. She trains daily and every weekend travels 50 miles by bus to attend coaching sessions.”
Well-known para-athlete Sandy Mitchell also hopes to compete in London in what would be his fourth Paralympic Games in Para-Equestrian Dressage.
“The aim of the BPARAS is to encourage all physically challenged persons to participate in sports and reach their full potential in their chosen field of sport. Funds raised from this art exhibit will also be used to help support their ‘grass roots’ programme for training and attend international competitions so they can reach their goal of qualifying for world championships and Paralympic Games in their chosen sport. It is impossible for them to achieve this in Bermuda,” added Southern
Potential participants for 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro include a para-archery athlete and a number of persons training in the sailing programme.
Artists wishing to help should contact Ms Southern, southern[AT]logic.bm or 238-1741, or Ann Lindroth, lindroth[AT]ibl.bm or 535-2832.
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Published Dec 23, 2011 at 8:11 am (Updated Dec 23, 2011 at 8:09 am)