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John's Story | More stories
John's Story
John Richardson is a veteran of two Paralympic Games (Atlanta 1996 & Sydney 2000) in the sport of Boccia, generally a lower profile sport which really came into its own at the 2000 games. "There was a lot of interest in this sport and spectators queued around the block to buy tickets," John recollects. "It was great to have lots of people cheering us on. We played against 14 other countries … (but) we missed out on the finals by only one point. We finished in 9th place overall and it was a great experience."
The youngest of three children and only son, John has Cerebral Palsy - a condition that basically affects the path of messages from the brain to the muscles, most often resulting in difficulties with communication, mobility and muscle control. John uses a wheelchair and, although he has a communication board, he prefers to simply make himself understood in conversation.
Following the passing of her husband, Bill, Peg Richardson began accompanying her son several years ago, as his official carer on the national and international Boccia circuit. Apart from the Paralympics and National Titles, together they have also attended World Cup competitions in New York, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Full of fun and refreshingly down-to-earth, the two are a popular duo at a variety of events in which John competes. However, at 80 years of age, Peg is "retiring" from the international competition, although she will still be on hand for events in Australia. "I just feel now that it's hard work to get on buses, trains and plans," Peg admits. "If you've got a wheelchair, you've got problems. Even in new hotels doorways are often too small and bathrooms are the most difficult to access. I've come to my 'use by date' - but only in this instance, mind you!"
In July 2002, John competed in the World Cup in Portugal. The team reached the finals in the Singles, but failed to secure any medals. This immediately followed the National Titles in Perth, in which John's team won the Singles competition. In 2003, the National Titles will be held in Melbourne at the end of June.
A proud but unassuming man, at 46 John Richardson is in the average
age group of Australian Boccia players, and plans to compete for quite
a few years yet - at least, while he is still enjoying the game and
has something strong to contribute. He is also an accomplished Wheelchair
Soccer player with the Victorian league (auspiced by the Leisure Action
division of Scope and the Victorian Soccer Federation), and he regularly
attends a horse-riding program for people with disability. John works
at High Point Industries, a Scope supported employment unit in Maribyrnong.
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