After competing in four T54 wheelchair racing events at the London Paralympic Games, Ryan Chalmers set his sights on changing the perception of disability sports as whole. He isn’t a disabled person who participates in sports; he’s a world class athlete, who also happens to have a disability. Taking his athletic ability underwater, Chalmers recently completed his PADI Divemaster certification through PADI Five Star Instructor Development Dive Resort Sunset House in Grand Cayman.
Now, Chalmers plans to build on his experience and inspire others by spreading awareness about the benefits of scuba diving for those who face mobility challenges. To do this, Chalmers will push his racing chair across America for Stay-Focused®, a nonprofit that helps disabled teens and young adults learn to scuba dive. Stay-Focused, with the support of PADI Americas and other sponsors, will coordinate Chalmers’ PUSH ACROSS AMERICA. The 71 day trek begins in Los Angeles, California, USA on 6 April 2013 and will conclude in New York City, New York, USA on 15 June 2013.
All divers are captivated by the wonders of the underwater world and seek to explore the sloping coral reefs, the sheer walls and the magnificent archways waiting beneath waves. The freedom of movement scuba divers experience under the water can be liberating for people who face mobility challenges, and the PADI family shares in Chalmers’ determination to help more people with disabilities get certified.
The planned route for Chalmers’ PUSH ACROSS AMERICA will be released early in 2013. In preparation for this event, Chalmers plans to push his racing chair across Grand Cayman in a PUSH ACROSS CAYMAN event on 24 November 2012. To support Chalmers in his PUSH follow him on facebook.com/PushUSA or visit pushacrossamerica.org to learn more.