Bobby Welch stands confidently on her skateboard, supported by a specially designed frame and accompanied by a volunteer. For the 43-year-old from the Gold Coast, this experience transcends mere recreation.
Bobby lives with cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that has gradually impacted her mobility. While she typically uses a wheelchair for daily activities, her mother, Marie Welch, emphasizes Bobby’s adventurous spirit, saying they have explored various activities together, including sailing, gymnastics, and swimming. “She even expressed an interest in learning to dive,” Marie noted.
As Bobby’s condition progressed, her options for engaging in activities dwindled. However, adaptive skateboarding has transformed her life. This innovative program utilizes a custom skate frame that allows participants to stand securely on a skateboard, with the guidance and support of trained instructors.
The initiative has made a sport that was previously inaccessible to many individuals with disabilities available to them. Marie highlighted that without this program, her daughter would likely spend much of her time at home. “It provides her with a wonderful social life,” she remarked. At the skate park, Bobby’s joy is palpable. “She can’t stop smiling when she arrives, and she talks about it excitedly when we get home,” Marie added. “Being able to engage with the community is incredibly important.”
Jesse Noonan, a professional skateboarder and coach, was instrumental in bringing adaptive skateboarding to the Gold Coast. He recounted how the initiative began from a simple moment of curiosity. “I was coaching some young boys when their sister, who uses a wheelchair, came to the park. I wanted to include her, so I attached a skateboard to her walking frame, and she started skating right away,” he explained.
This initial experience led to the establishment of Skate Advantage. “It opens up a world of possibilities for them,” Noonan said. “Getting involved in skating changes lives, providing positivity and an adrenaline rush they may never have felt before.”
The skateboarding program is backed by Gold Coast Recreation and Sport, an organization dedicated to offering sports and recreational activities for individuals with disabilities. Acacia Porter, the project manager, noted that the program’s focus extends beyond physical engagement. “It’s crucial for everyone to have the chance to participate,” she stated. “This initiative is dismantling barriers, not only to participation but also to community perceptions.”
Porter emphasized that uniting individuals of varying abilities is transforming attitudes. “It demonstrates that they can succeed,” she said, describing the program as a prime example of effective inclusion.
For families observing from the sidelines, the transformation is evident. “It truly brightens my day,” Marie expressed. “Bobby’s life has changed dramatically just by being able to engage in an active pursuit again.”
As Bobby glides to a gentle stop on the concrete, a broad smile lights up her face. Around her, others eagerly take their turns, stepping into frames, adjusting their helmets, and pushing off. For these skaters, this experience serves as a bridge between different worlds, where, for a fleeting moment, everything feels achievable.
