Athletes set to take on ‘Round the Bays’

WHATEVER happens in a big fun/run walk in Wellington this weekend, two participating Dunedin athletes with disabilities have already achieved a great deal.

Hannah Scott, who has some movement impairment after a car crash, and blind athlete Michael Bardrick will both step out of their comfort zones by participating in the Wellington ‘‘Round the Bays’’ event on Sunday.

The two athletes have been backed by the Dunedin chapter of Achilles International New Zealand, an international organisation which aims to enable people with all types of disabilities to particulate in mainstream walking and running events, and to enhance selfesteem.

The two athletes were yesterday excited about taking part in the Wellington event, Miss Scott undertaking a 6.5km walk, despite having trained over only about 4.3km, and Mr Bardrick feeling ‘‘really good’’ about the 10km walk.

Dunedin chapter coordinator Stacey Pearson said it was ‘‘pretty humbling’’ to see how far the two athletes had progressed since the Dunedin chapter was established two years ago.

PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON Getting ready . . . In training at the Caledonian Ground in Dunedin yesterday are (from left) Achilles International New Zealand Dunedin coordinator Stacey Pearson, athletes Hannah Scott (31) and Michael Bardrick (45) and guide Gina Wells.