socialmedian: Disabled war veterans in battle of the racing wheelchairs

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Disabled war veterans in battle of the racing wheelchairs

Source: The Guardian

Nov 02, 2009

Summary

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans race hand-cycle wheelchairs in US, but London marathon allows only push-rim chairs

More than 20 disabled American veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan raced wheelchairs in the New York City marathon yesterday. Some of the men and women served alongside British forces, but when London holds its marathon in April, neither they nor many of their disabled British counterparts will be competing.

The vets ride hand cycle-type wheelchairs banned by the London marathon in favour of traditional push-rim chairs. The London marathon claims safety concerns, but the Americans say marathon officials are denying their British comrades an opportunity to aid their recovery from war's trauma.

"To see the people cheer for me on the side of the road and tell me 'don't quit, don't quit' – it really helps with the healing process," said Army Staff Sergeant John Walding, 26, who lost his right leg below the knee to a gunshot wound.

"I feel for the British soldiers not to be able to experience that. They love their country just like we love ours."

The dispute ov

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