A COVENTRY para rugby star whose lifelong dream has been to represent Great Britain at the Paralympics is looking for support to buy a ‘crucial’ custom sports wheelchair to keep his hopes alive.
George Davies discovered his true passion after first playing wheelchair rugby four years ago when Coventry Stampede was first formed in the city.
George has progressed into the GB talent camp, where promising players get invited every month to improve their skills, and he is two steps below making the full GB team.
The 24-year-old currently rents a sports wheelchair from his club but has been told without a custom one of his own he will struggle to make it to the elite level.
Sports chairs can prove extremely expensive with some costing up to £11,000, with the one George wants to buy quoted at around £8,200.
To help him pay for this, George has set up a GoFundMe page to raise the cash needed.
George was born with cerebral palsy, which affects the right side of his body and left leg.
He has always dreamed of representing his country in a sport and, after trying wheelchair basketball and tennis, George fell in love with rugby.
“Daily tasks are a struggle, and I’m no stranger to unexpected falls, but I refuse to let these obstacles hinder my pursuit of my dreams.” he said.
“Parts of my current chair can be adjusted to my needs but it’s not mine and so when other people use it is adjusted for that person, which affects my game.
“Playing for my country would be the dream but I also want to inspire and encourage others, there is a lot of stigma around disability and it’s associated with giving up but I see it as a different adventure.
“If I could encourage just one person to follow their dreams and to not have that stigma all my hard work will be worth it.
“I know I’m not ready for the next Paralympics although I’d love to get there, my goal is to keep improving and learning so I’m ready for 2028 and my own chair would be a big step towards that.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-fund-my-own-wheelchair-rugby-sports-chair to donate to George.
