There was a feeling of apprehension among the teams that gathered for the Ben Nevis training session. However this soon began to change when the wheelchair users met their team and were fitted into their chairs. The teams were desperate to go up Arnside Knott to familiarise themselves with pushing the wheelchair and the terrain they will eventually experience when the challenge commences.
One of the wheelchair users who signed for the challenge was Grant Logan. He is para T5 complete and only find out about this challenge 10 days ago. He wanted to do it after hearing about and it was an opportunity that shouldn't be missed.
On Sunday we went up a mountain called Whitbarrow. This was slightly harder than Arnside Knott but it was to test the teams to the limit but also make them familiar with terrain and the barriers they may encounter while going up Ben Nevis.
Communication and teamwork will be the success factor to reach the top in the fastest time. Training will be ongoing for many teams; it will be gruelling because it can be physically and mentally demanding at times.
At the end the of training weekend, I felt there was a great deal of satisfaction among everyone and they all want to rise to challenge on May 31st.
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Page first published on Thursday 24th April 2008
Page last updated on Thursday 24th July 2008
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