The number one male Wheelchair Motorcross rider in the UK will be attending Lancashire’s first ever WCMX night in Blackburn this Saturday.
International WCMX Series is a new wheelchair motorcross organisation that offers anyone eager to join the extreme sport an opportunity to learn everything from the basics to impressive stunts and tricks.
The first night will be taking place at Junction 4 Skatepark on Saturday, September 10, and in addition to teaching the sport, people can learn how to use their wheelchairs and have fun socialising.
The general manager, and mother of number one UK champion Tom Woods, shared that the inspiration for launching the International WCMX Series came from the lack of help people receive when they are given a wheelchair to use for the first time.
Joanna Woods said: “No one teaches you how to do anything, they don’t teach you how to use it so that’s the first step.
"It’s trying to figure out yourself how to get the strength to push the chair yourself.
“So, some people are coming to learn the absolute basics, to learn how to build their stamina - to get round school, or college, or work for the day.
“And some are coming because they want to learn the sport, and progress as an athlete. It’s very inclusive and welcoming.”
Joanna’s 14-year-old son Tom recently came third in Europe after competing in a competition this summer.
Tom is now preparing for the world championships in California in December but before he ventures to the US, he will be attending the session at Blackburn to offer advice and socialise with the other Lancashire riders.
His mum said: “The main thing is reaching wheelchair users and just getting it out there. We want them to come down and have a try and just join us.
“It’s a socialising event as well as a sports thing because until we started this, we didn’t know a single other person in a wheelchair.
“When he first got one, we expected someone to say ‘here are the local sports groups’ but there’s nothing.
“Even if it’s just to share tips or finding other people with the same illness or difficulties you’ve got, it’s a huge thing so we want it to be a space for that too.”
Sessions cost £16 and is set to take place every two weeks at Junction 4 Skatepark and other venues across the country.
Junction 4 Skatepark is a community based wheeled sports facility for BMX, scooters, and wheelchair motorcross riders in Blackburn funded by Sports England and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
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