| Trampolining
for the blind
Safety concerns have been raised ahead of the 1st Official Blind
Trampoline Championship in Stirling, Scotland.
The event has attracted condemnation and praise in equal measure
since its inception as an unofficial tournament in 2007. Jumpers
must be registered blind before being allowed to compete.
Organisers and competitors slammed the criticism as "political
correctness gone mad". Phil Sime, who competes in the heavyweight
jumper division, told wreckered, "Just because I'm blind doesn't
mean I can't jump up and down on a trampoline. I welcome the risk.
What I lack in eyesight I make up for in cojones".
Sime's support team echoed his determination. Dan Holland, lead
catcher, said there was no reason to worry about injury. "Every
jumper has a team of eight catchers, stationed around the trampoline.
Phil's been doing this for years and has never been hurt. It's the
catchers who are most at risk."
The sport is proving popular among adrenalin junkies, who have
begun their own Blindfold Trampoline League. Rab Christie, extreme
sports guru and twice UK Champion in White Water Scaffolding, said,
"It's a great sport, a huge rush and we'd love to compete one
day against the actual blind.
Phil Sime was unsure." I just don't see it happening." |
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