Heading for the World Para Archery Championships

Having gained a silver medal representing Tasmania in the 1st Para Archery National Championships in April this year, Tasmanian Para Archer Kevin Faulkner heads to World Para Archery Championships in Donaueschingen Germany on Thursday (20th August 2015), in the lead up to his goal of respresenting Australia in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.

Kevin started archery in October 2012 after watching a close friend change from wheelchair basketball to sailing and win a gold medal at the London Paralympics. Kevin trains 6 days a week shooting 200 arrows a day.

Back Ground

Kevin is the Sports Development Officer with Physical DisABILITY Sports Tasmania, part of the Not-for-Profit ParaQuad Association of Tasmania Inc. In 1984 he had a serious fall that resulted in him being a paraplegic and now uses a wheel chair. Far from shying away from sport due to his injuries, he embarked on an intensive and determined campaign to play at the highest levels.

• Played National League Wheelchair Basketball 1990 – 2004
• Represented Australia 1994 and 1997 FESPIC games China and Thailand
• Played and coached wheelchair basketball until 2014
• Started work as sports development officer 2006 for Wheelchair Sports Tasmania now Physical disABILITY Sports TAS
• Started archery 2012 after seeing a friend win a gold medal at London Paralympics
• Has competed in National indoor championships and state championships
• Normally trains 6 days a week shooting 200 arrows a day
• Currently trains at Hobart Archers Club four days a week

PDS Tasmania – Physical disABILITY Sports Tasmania

In 2005 Wheelchair Basketball Sports Tasmania was re-formed so that people with physical disABILITY, could participate in sport & recreation which gave them a sense of satisfaction and achievement. The driving forces of the development of the Wheelchair Sports Tasmania was Bevan Williams of Hobart, his friends and business associate’s set-up the group.

2008 Wheelchair Sports Tasmania merged with ParaQuad Association of Tasmania to ensure that not only wheelchair basketball was being developed but other sports that would give people with physical disability the opportunity to particapate in sport and recreation.

The growth has been tremendous and it was time to change the name from Wheelchair Sports Tasmania to a name that reflected not only people in wheelchairs, but recognising people with other physical disabilities. To welcome them to enjoy sports that would also be of benefit to their health and well-being.

The decision was made to change Wheelchair Sports Tasmania to Physical disABILITY Sports Tasmania. This has proved to be very successful as we are now attracting many more people with physical disabilities into the Association.

People with a physical disability, including paraplegia, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, other related spinal cord injuries, polio, acquired brain injury and other physical disabilities are be able to participate in a sport or recreational activities of their choice in Tasmania.

Sports being played, at present, include: Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, Lawn Bowls, Archery and Darts.

‘COME N TRY Days’ have been held and will be ongoing for the following sports: Sailing, Tennis, Archery , Swimming, Shooting – as people request a sport we will endeavour to have a ‘Come n Try Day’.
ParaQuad Association of Tasmania Inc. Chairman David Cawthorn, Physical disABILITY Sports Tasmania Coordinator Kevin Faulkner