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Schools across the South Downs take part in 100 mile wheelchair record attempt, via videoconference
As if being wheelchair bound was not feat enough, Swasie Turner is pushing the boundaries one step further with a dramatic 100 miles trek over the South downs, in his wheelchair. Aided by Project Manager, Nik Demetriades, the man they call a 'wheelchair pilot', is adding to his catalogue of fund raising missions to celebrate the 5th birthday of his patron charity, Enable Me.
The 100 mile record attempt will run from Winchester to Eastbourne from 3-11 July, with stops at local towns along the way. On Wednesday the team spread their message even further by involving several schools in a live videoconference from Littlehampton School in W. Sussex. Using JANET videoconferencing service (JVCS)'s Desktop facility, the schools were able to connect to Littlehampton using only a PC and web camera. The students were then given the chance to speak to Swasie directly and quiz him on his fascinating life, his charity work and the challenging journey he was facing. When asked by one student "what would you do if you lost a wheel during the record attempt?" Swasie replied "Well I've already lost my leg so I'd either hurt myself or have to find another way."
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Swasie Turner videoconferencing with various schools at Littlehampton Academy
Littlehampton Academy have been working with Swasie and Enable Me for 6 years with the aim of making the students more disability aware. "The students were amazed by his story – he's a real-life action man, with an amazing story to tell," says Sara Hopkins, Community Liaison Manager at Littlehampton. "Not only were we able to put our videoconferencing equipment to good use, but it was great to be able to make links with other primary schools.'
West Chillington School used the new JVCS Desktop facility at JANET(UK) to connect the students with Swasie. Students aged 7-9 joined him for 6 miles of the walk and key stage 1-2 students joined via videoconference from a live assembly. States Emma Taylor, Assistant Head "Now we know how easy it is to videoconference, we will definitely be doing some more. "The live videoconference enabled students to pose questions directly to Swasie as well as interact with other students of different ages. They were amazed they could see themselves on screen , and to see other students just like them in the UK."
Enable Me aims to raise disability awareness in the community by working with schools, colleges and other organisations in the statutory and/or voluntary sectors. "Swasie is an amazing ambassador for the charity, commanding a tremendous amount of respect" says Ann Stimpson, Director and Volunteer at Enable Me "His determination shows how individuals can overcome their disabilities to achieve great things, he's a great role model," states Ann. "The videoconference on Wednesday was a fascinating experience - by using this technology we can reach even more schools, at the same time. It's definitely the way forward. It promotes the exchange of ideas and learning and opens up great possibilities."
For further information on the southdowns project at Enable Me, please visit: http://www.enablemeproject.org.uk/southsdownspush.htm
For further information on JANET Videoconferencing Service, please visit: http://www.ja.net/services/video/jvcs/
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Swasie during the 100 mile record breaking attempt.
