Michael’s ambition to start Scotland's first wheelchair rugby club

Aug 15 2008 by Iain Pollock, Dumfries Standard Friday

A DUMFRIES man who was paralysed in a street fight hopes to start Scotland’s only wheelchair rugby club.

Michael Turner, aged 27, is keen to get involved in a stimulating sport after spending the last 21 months in hospital.

And he is looking for at least five other like-minded individuals interested in taking part to get the idea off the ground.

Michael, of Cargenbridge, said: “I’ve found few activities in Dumfries for people in wheelchairs. Our club would be the only one in Scotland. Wheelchair rugby is now an Olympic sport, with teams competing in Beijing this year, and in the 2012 London Olympics.”

His interest in the sport was prompted by a chance meeting in a Glasgow hospital with Mike Kerr, a member of Great British Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR).

Mike had been a member of Scottish Wildcats, a now disbanded wheelchair rugby team based in Falkirk. He has agreed to come down from Glasgow once a week to train with the team.

Michael said: “The sport is often referred to as ‘murder ball’! It involves players with a volleyball style ball and purpose-built wheelchairs. The attackers are made up of the more mobile team members, and defenders are the less mobile members.”

“‘Murderball’ is an apt title — it’s a game with a lot of physical contact, and chairs are often flipped during play!”

James Price, GBWR development director, said: “We are working hard to grow, develop and find new athletes in the lead-up to 2012.

“Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced, tactical and unisex game that enables disabled people to live a richer and fuller life through sport.”

“It’s a fantastic to know there are enthusiastic people like Michael Turner who wants to do something for himself and the community. With Michael’s help we will implement a new team in Dumfries and I will bring the GB development team up in November to help promote and teach the game.”

If you would like to join the Dumfries club, or know anyone (male or female) who might be interested, please contact Michael on 07895 731 504 or miketurner859@btinternet.com