International Wheelchair Table Tennis Star from Watford appointed 2016 Mobility Roadshow Ambassador
18th March 2016
Jack Pegram (24) from Watford, successful international wheelchair table tennis player and London Olympic torch bearer, is delighted to be appointed 2016 Ambassador for The Mobility Roadshow, incorporating Get Going Live! (Silverstone, Northants. 26th -28th May.)
Organised by charity Mobility Choice, the free to attend Mobility Roadshow is the UK’s premier consumer focussed event for people of any age living with restricted mobility. Held at Silverstone for the first time, visitors have the unique opportunity to test drive adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVS) around the famous motorsports circuit. Plus, inside the Silverstone Wing, a large showcase of mobility products, including wheelchairs, scooters and trikes, will be available for hands on demonstrations.
Get Going Live! focuses on specific needs of young and novice drivers with disabilities, age 15 plus. Opening up a new world of driving to younger generations, the event provides free test drives in the safe presence of a professional driver, the chance to try an impressive range of adapted vehicles and controls and even a mock theory test.
Jack, has visited The Mobility Roadshow since he was in Primary School. He is thrilled to be an event ambassador, having already successfully carried out the role at the 2015 Donington Mobility Roadshow. He joins a small team of dedicated supporters who have benefitted personally from visiting the show and who proactively raise awareness of the event that helps people with disabilities and their families discover life-changing solutions.
Jack explains,” My first experience of driving took place at The Mobility Roadshow when I was 16. At every Roadshow I have been to since, I discover new vehicle controls and adaptations. I have been driving now for seven years and currently drive a VW Caravelle with a lowered floor, electronic tailgate and ramp. Once my chair is up the ramp it locks in place. The driver’s seat is on tracks and once it is in the correct position, I just transfer from my chair across to the seat - and I'm ready to drive. I use hand controls such as the Kivi steering ring to accelerate and an electronic handbrake. I also have a steering ball on the steering wheel which makes it easier for me to turn corners.”
Jack, with his sporting enthusiasm and achievements, is also keen to promote the 2016 Mobility Roadshow’s exciting new Sports Zone. Organised by show exhibitor Let’s Play! visitors can join in daily free sessions of Boccia, Disability Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball and Powerchair Football!
Jack, who graduated from Brunel University with a 2:1 in Sport and Exercise Science, comments, “Apart from being good for you, sport is a great way to make friends, socialise and increase confidence. Being a wheelchair user doesn’t limit your sporting opportunities. I love all sports and play wheelchair table tennis in my local league through to international level. Playing sport has given me a greater understanding of disability sport and the highlights and challenges faced. I went to the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics and I felt honoured to be invited to carry the Olympic Flame”.
Jack summarises, “The Mobility Roadshow and Get Going Live! are fantastic events with some really amazing opportunities. There is so much to see and do including a whole range of specialist controls and adapted vehicles all in one place, which is really convenient. It’s definitely worth visiting for anyone wishing to research accessible mobility options”.
