Elite athletes inspire students

Hedland Primary School students wheeled out a new skill set last week as they rolled with the Red Dust Heelers para athletes.

Made up of Aboriginal and other athletes with a disability, the Heelers squad includes Karratha-born wheelchair basketball star Ryan Morich.

Morich lost his leg below the knee when he was 12 after contracting a rare bone cancer, yet has gone on to become captain of the Red Dust Heelers Adelaide wheelchair basketball team.

He also proved an inspiration to students from Baler and St Cecilia’s primary schools as he and the Heelers squad taught them how to control sport wheelchairs and take part in exercises mimicking the challenges of being blind.

St Cecilia’s teacher Claire Wellbeloved said it was great timing for the Heelers to visit her school.

“We have been following indigenous heroes in our community and looking at people who have done really well despite difficult odds in their life,” she said.

“Ryan Morich was a name that came up; he grew up in Karratha was diagnosed with cancer and lost his leg to the disease.

“But he has not let that hold him back, and has gone on to be a part of these Red Dust Heelers.

“They travel around showcasing what indigenous people and those with a disability can do.

“And the kids have been truly able to see … that the abilities these guys have will blow you away.”

And while most St Cecilia’s students quickly took steady control over their wheelchairs, their excitement at discovering a new sport did lead to the odd dodgem-cars moment.

“I have been holding my breath (watching them) … and, in particular, the little kids just look so tiny in the wheelchairs,” Ms Wellbeloved said.