Touchstone Volume 26 1706_Touchstone_Winter_Web Version | Page 4

FEATURE
Game on for Henry
The ball is in the court of 14-year-old
Henry Rider as he trains hard to compete
in wheelchair basketball, with big plans to
bring the game to Hervey Bay.
The journey began when a teacher at
Henry’s school, Michael Oxley, began
coaching him in his spare time. Michael
wasn’t deterred by the lack of competition
in the area and when Henry showed a
passion for the sport, Michael didn’t hesitate
to arrange a game in Rockhampton.
After weeks of training at a local gym in
Hervey Bay (who donated a membership
to him!), Henry was given the opportunity
to play with the Toowoomba Bushrangers,
taking away Silver and meeting some of the
Rio Paralympians!
It wasn’t long before Henry caught the
attention of Stix McGavin, professional
wheelchair basketball player and one of 550
athletes from the Invictus Games.
“Stix was so excited to find someone else
interested in playing wheelchair sport,”
Henry’s mum, Anna, explained.
The pair arranged to meet once a week
to train. Anna said the change in Henry’s
enthusiasm, dedication and self-esteem has
been incredible.
“We always had to fight with him to go
to school, it wasn’t something he looked
forward to. Then, a lightbulb moment
happened and it became an okay thing. We
don’t argue anymore, he’s a much happier
person in all aspects of his life.
“Even his relationship with his dad has
improved; not that it was bad, but now they
have something else to bond over. Quentin
[Henry’s dad] often hires a wheelchair to
use so he can train with Henry whenever
team numbers are low.”
Aside from improving his confidence and
motivation, Anna also explained that the
sport is fulfilling his therapy goals.
Henry joined CPL early in his life, receiving
home support services throughout moves
to Chermside, Rockhampton, Brisbane and
now Hervey Bay.
“
”
We’ve never been without CPL.
“We’ve received support that has been
therapy based and at other times, siblings’
and carers’ based, which is vital,” Anna said.
Anna and Quentin were looking at how
they could support Henry to get around
independently while protecting his hands.
They had been considering a power
wheelchair when Henry mentioned he
wanted to try building his upper body
strength instead.
It was worth a shot for the aspiring athlete.
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Touchstone Winter 2017