2024 Chevron City to Surf for Activ ambassador and wheelchair racer Dennis Devereaux is aiming to make the podium again this year in the 12km wheelchair event.
Dennis claimed the win in 2023 and is keen for more wheelchair users and racers to join him on the course at the 50th anniversary event to build some friendly competition and involvement among wheelchair participants.
“I’m proud of my achievement in the last Chevron City to Surf for Activ. I want to make a call to everyone in wheelchairs, especially those with racing chairs, to participate in 2024. I love a challenge and invite you all to take it with me.”
Dennis is an avid endurance sportsman who suffered a life-changing accident in 2019. Despite multiple leg fractures, months of rehabilitation and the realisation he would never run again, Dennis refused to give up on his passion.
He was determined to find a new way to continue participating in sporting challenges, and made a hospital-bed decision to try the Chevron City to Surf for Activ 4km wheelchair event that year. He was inspired by memories of former Paralympian and wheelchair racer Louise Sauvage OAM and other wheelchair racers in City to Surf events across the 1990s.
“I thought to myself, instead of focusing on what I can’t do, why not look to what possibilities lay ahead of me? I’ve always admired Louise and I felt excitement for the first time in a while that I could get back in the game.”
Dennis refocused his passion for sports and committed to wheelchair racing.
“I just feel such a sense of freedom and joy when I’m in the chair. It’s given me a new lease on life!” he says with a grin.
“I enjoy participating in events like the Chevron City to Surf for Activ because I can still participate in sport with my friends even though my injuries have put limits on my physical capacity,” he explains.
“It would be great to see more race wheelchair entrants in the 12km race. By winning the event it provides a platform for the sport of wheelchair racing to be visual and hopefully encourage more participation in the future.”
He says the Chevron City to Surf for Activ is an iconic WA event that has maintained its presence over the years as an important event in the calendar because it offers a challenging and scenic course that can be walked or raced, on foot or in a chair.
“The atmosphere is always friendly and supportive for all levels of participation. Its major difference among other events is that it focuses more on participation and inclusivity, highlighting abilities and motivations of participants that may find hurdles in other aspects of their lives.”
“Activ’s role in facilitating multiple generations of people to participate in all aspects of society to their full potential by breaking down barriers is commendable and helps produce a healthier and more tolerant society.”
Join Dennis at this year’s Chevron City to Surf for Activ. Register for the 4km or 12km, and walk, run or roll your way to the finish line. If you see Dennis on your way, make sure you give him a cheer!