Member News
The Reason To Disability Triathlon is an annual event in Newcastle that enables children and adults with a wide range of disabilities to swim, bike and run with support and specially adapted equipment.
With the backing of office technology firm, SOS Group, it has grown in popularity over the last decade and this year almost 50 North East children and adults took part, making it the largest to date.
As well as being headline sponsors and donating welcome packs, t-shirts and prizes, SOS Group provides valued practical support on the day and give assistance by transporting the specially adapted bikes for use at the event.
Based on the Team Valley, SOS Group supplies and maintains leading brand digital office equipment and offers a full range of office management services. Now in their 22nd year, the company pride themselves on their community involvement and have donated more than £350,000 to support charities and community organisations since their launch.
Andrew Skelton, a Director at SOS Group, provided hands on support at The Reason To Disability Triathlon and, as always, came away inspired.
He says: “It’s been absolutely tremendous all day. A bit too warm for biking, running and swimming, so it was a real challenge for the competitors.
“As always, it was very inspirational to watch and we’re extremely proud to be part of the day. It’s a fantastic event and really underlines the importance of inclusion for all. Long may it continue.”
Organised by triathletes, Jo Shallcross and Tracey Sample, The Reason To Disability Triathlon took place in blazing hot sunshine at David Lloyd Club and Paddy Freeman’s Park. It ended on a high with professional triathlete, Dan Dixon from Morpeth, presenting medals to all the competitors.
Jo says: “When this started it was just for a few children that I coached and then I realised there was such a need for it. Tracey came on board and we started to grow it together as a team.
“It’s a huge community now and very special because when the competitors come together you can see the friendships that have grown over the years. The smiles today have been amazing.”
Rosie Bell, aged 15 from Ponteland, has cerebral palsy and dystonia. This was the Ponteland High School pupil’s second triathlon and, for Rosie, it felt important to complete the challenge.
Rosie explains: “It’s to prove a point that even though we are disabled we all can do a triathlon. I’ve always been like that. I don’t like the fact that we can’t do things. We can, but adapted, we can still do it.
“It’s not the activity that really matters. It’s all these kids together as a community to do something that they can do and that’s amazing.”
For more information, please visit www.sosgroup-ltd.co.uk.
