Mick Chapman

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-168639

Hansard session: Fifty-Eighth Parliament, First Session (58-1)

Mick Chapman

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley)

—Speaker, I rise today to recognise Oatley resident Mick Chapman and his determined advocacy for greater inclusion in community sporting events. Mick is a passionate athlete who has spent many years participating in marathons and running events using his motorised wheelchair, demonstrating tremendous determination, endurance and independence. However, following the application of World Athletics and World Para Athletics rules prohibiting motorised wheelchairs, Mick now faces exclusion from the Sydney Marathon, an event in which he has previously participated. Rather than simply accepting this decision, Mick has launched a petition calling for the rules to be reconsidered so that independent power-wheelchair users can safely participate in marathons alongside the wider community. Mick's advocacy is an important reminder that genuine accessibility means more than being present. It means ensuring people with disability have the opportunity to participate independently, safely and with dignity. Through his efforts, Mick is raising awareness and encouraging an important conversation about inclusion in sport. I commend Mick for his perseverance and advocacy and wish him every success in his campaign.