Seated Throws

The main aim of the BWAA is to give wheelchair users an opportunity to get involved in wheelchair field events. Wheelchair athletes compete primarily in four field disciplines:

• Shot
• Discus
• Javelin
• Club

Eligible categories

Eligible categories are:

• F31 to 38 – Cerebral Palsy or related conditions
• F51 to 57 – Spinal Injury or related conditions

Equipment

The athletes use individually designed throwing frames for these events. These frames enable the athletes to use the same throwing equipment as non-disabled athletes. The only event unique to wheelchair athletics is the club. In this event a special wooden club is thrown using a technique similar to the discus. Athletes are classified according to their functional level and compete against athletes of the same classification.

Getting involved

Joining your local athletics club is a great place to start:

Find a club

During the winter months the BWAA holds training weekends in the sports hall at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. These weekend camps are delivered by qualified and experienced coaches and are open to anyone who uses a wheelchair for sport. If you are interested in learning more about throwing, either as an athlete or coach then these weekends are a great opportunity to develop your skills.

Newcomers to throwing are given help and guidance from International coaches and senior athletes (including some Paralympic medallists) who pass on their own advice and knowledge to make the learning process much easier. Training is given in the technique of throwing as well as weight training and exercises to help with, not only athletics but also everyday use of a wheelchair.

Seated throws are completed in specialised frames and the BWAA has many to help the novice start in a positive way before supporting the athlete to obtain their own frame when needed.

From May to September there is a full competition calendar including a Grand Prix Series and this is an excellent opportunity for new athletes to experience competition for the first time in a friendly relaxed environment. More details can be found at www.bwaa.co.uk or on the Wheelchair Racing webpage

If this is something you would like to try, why not come along. The BWAA can also provide support to athletes, coaches or clubs by phone or email.

For more information please contact Barbara Hoole at barbarahoole@hotmail.com

Visit the BWAA website

Para Athletics is a fast growing sport in the UK and performances from elite athletes on the world stage continue to excel and inspire the next generation of young athletes. The British Athletics Paralympic Performance Pathway aims to identify, develop, prepare and support potential Paralympians towards World Class level.

BA work closely with the Home Country Athletics federations to provide progressive learning squad environments for performance athletes to grow and develop in a safe, but challenging and inspiring setting.

Visit the UKA Pathway