IN THE LIONS DEN: FIRST STOP BRISBANE
Our first morning in Brisbane provided an inspiring and energising start to the Lions tour activities, writes Matt Hampson Foundation CEO Tommy Cawston.
We began the day with a visit to the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre in Woolloongabba, where we received a warm welcome from Megan and the team. Alongside our Foundation chairman Adam Walker and trustee Martin Hill, we were honoured to be joined by members of the British & Irish Lions organisation including CEO Ben Calveley, Chairman Ieuan Evans, Shane Whelan and Lynn Cleckner.
A tour of the state-of-the-art facility was incredibly impressive with highlights including:
- A world-class gym with cutting-edge adaptive equipment.
- Innovative features like a tap-and-go system for machine-based programmes using QR codes and member cards.
- Excellent use of space with functional and accessible design, including tracking hoists and a high-spec rehab area.
- A compelling session in the Assistive Technology Suite where a specialist eloquently demonstrated equipment and technologies which make a life-changing impact for people with spinal cord injuries.
We left with plenty of ideas and inspiration, particularly an adapted rowing machine which caught the eye of both me and Taylor Gough, one of our beneficiaries and now an elite para-canoeist.
The morning continued with a visit to Sporting Wheelies, where we met Dan Cross and his fantastic team. The facility had a vibrant, welcoming feel, with an impressive gym and strength & conditioning area and a large indoor court where we joined in a highly enjoyable game of wheelchair rugby.
Our team, captained by Foundation trustee Martin, emerging victorious thanks to his assist which we won’t hear the end of for some time!
We were joined throughout the day by our good friends Taylor Gough and Kylie Grimes. Taylor is a beneficiary of the Foundation while Kylie, an ambassador and Paralympian with 15 years’ experience of elite competition. They both shared their valuable perspectives and insights into adaptive sport, rehabilitation and support services.
It was a genuinely brilliant and productive morning, connecting with like-minded individuals who share our passion for supporting those with life-changing injuries. There were plenty of learnings to bring back to the UK after the tour and, above all, a real sense of shared purpose.
Check out our Lions Tour Gallery – it will be updated throughout the trip to Australia.
