Carolyn Franks (Level Four Coach & President, Cheltenham & County Harriers)
The throwing stool that Peter has designed for my throwing group has had a huge impact on their confidence and performance. We are now in posession of extremely lightweight stools that are so easy to move from place to place due to the fact that they are on two wheels that have a very modern look compared to our original stools. They are adaptable to be carried in a car too.
The huge advantage is that they have been made so that they are adaptable for all heights/sizes of athletes. The pole can be set at different distances from the frame too. The footrests can be placed at different heights and the athlete can sit either on the corner or square on. I had one athlete who likes to use his right hand for the heavier implements and his left for the lighter ones and by unscrewing parts it can easily be changed – it is therefore ideal for right or left handed athletes.
As a club with several para-athletes these stools have been a revelation, making it feasible to develop their throwing skills. It is an amazing feat of engineering.
The huge advantage is that they have been made so that they are adaptable for all heights/sizes of athletes. The pole can be set at different distances from the frame too. The footrests can be placed at different heights and the athlete can sit either on the corner or square on. I had one athlete who likes to use his right hand for the heavier implements and his left for the lighter ones and by unscrewing parts it can easily be changed – it is therefore ideal for right or left handed athletes.
As a club with several para-athletes these stools have been a revelation, making it feasible to develop their throwing skills. It is an amazing feat of engineering.
Mark Picken (client's father)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter Vielvoye, Adam Scott and the local REMAP branch for all their help in designing, sourcing of materials and building such a great throwing stool for my son Gareth.
This is Gareth's first throwing stool so we were not sure what to expect as he was used to throwing from his wheelchair. Peter took time to discuss Gareth's needs and expectations and also spent additional time researching the recent changes in the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) rules. Eventually we agreed on a design which was both practical and functional.
The stool design is essentially very simple and robust. It allows Gareth to be strapped onto it in various positions (depending on which throw he is doing, javelin, discus or shot) and can easily be fixed in position. The flat base allows the weight to be spread evenly, making it stable on both concrete and grass throwing circles. This is a particular problem with stools with feet which can sink into soft ground. The large loops on the corners allow for the different tie down systems to be employed at various events. The wheels are invaluable when transporting it across athletic fields and car parks.
Having looked at many other designs of stools at different competitions I can honestly say that its design and all round robustness proves the old adage that the simpler the design the better. Several competitors and officials have praised it for design and practicality. Officials like it because it is easy for them set up and to make sure the throws are legal within the rules. Competitors appreciate the practicality of use, movability and the finish which can take bashing and scratching without it looking scruffy.
So how has it helped Gareth? Over the summer season of 2014, he threw new personal bests in every event adding between 2 meters and 5 meters to his previous bests throwing from his wheelchair. This culminated in his selection to represent the South West at the School Games in Manchester where the best young athletes from around the country compete against each other over a three-day, multi-sports event. With help from his throwing stool he achieved 2 Golds from the 2 events he took part in. Gareth is now training hard for next season and looking to achieve even better results.
This is Gareth's first throwing stool so we were not sure what to expect as he was used to throwing from his wheelchair. Peter took time to discuss Gareth's needs and expectations and also spent additional time researching the recent changes in the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) rules. Eventually we agreed on a design which was both practical and functional.
The stool design is essentially very simple and robust. It allows Gareth to be strapped onto it in various positions (depending on which throw he is doing, javelin, discus or shot) and can easily be fixed in position. The flat base allows the weight to be spread evenly, making it stable on both concrete and grass throwing circles. This is a particular problem with stools with feet which can sink into soft ground. The large loops on the corners allow for the different tie down systems to be employed at various events. The wheels are invaluable when transporting it across athletic fields and car parks.
Having looked at many other designs of stools at different competitions I can honestly say that its design and all round robustness proves the old adage that the simpler the design the better. Several competitors and officials have praised it for design and practicality. Officials like it because it is easy for them set up and to make sure the throws are legal within the rules. Competitors appreciate the practicality of use, movability and the finish which can take bashing and scratching without it looking scruffy.
So how has it helped Gareth? Over the summer season of 2014, he threw new personal bests in every event adding between 2 meters and 5 meters to his previous bests throwing from his wheelchair. This culminated in his selection to represent the South West at the School Games in Manchester where the best young athletes from around the country compete against each other over a three-day, multi-sports event. With help from his throwing stool he achieved 2 Golds from the 2 events he took part in. Gareth is now training hard for next season and looking to achieve even better results.
Gareth Picken (F56 para-athlete)
I am a 14 year old F56 para-athlete who has Spina bifida. My disability means I am unable to stand or walk and therefore use a wheelchair. My throwing events (discus, javelin, shot) are seated events.
To enable me to compete competitively in my sport, I needed a throwing frame which meets the newly revised International Paralympic Committee (IPC) rules. The rules try to make it fair for all disabled throwers who cannot stand so that they can compete against each other. The rules are very strict as to the dimensions that frames must be and therefore it was important that the design complied completely with these rules. The frames are measured and tested before every event and if found not to comply, the athlete is disqualified.
As well as complying with the rules it is also very important that the frame is both very strong yet portable. Moving equipment across an athletics field whilst using a wheelchair can be very hard, as can having the space in the car to transport it. Lastly the frame needed to be safe enough for me to use without falling off, either when mounting it or once I am seated on it.
Adam and Peter from REMAP worked with me and my Dad to design and build a frame which would meet all the different requirements. They prepared several designs and helped build a prototype which I tested several times before finalising the design.
The final frame has exceeded all my expectations. The design allows me to use it not only on a proper concrete throwing circle but also on wet ground because the base spreads the frame and my weight evenly. This is very important as much of my training is on grass and in all weather conditions. The frame is always stable when fixed to the tie-down straps and gives me a strong ridged seat to sit on. This stability means that the maximum amount of my energy I use when throwing, is concentrated into my throw and not lost due to movement of the frame. Even the sitting cushion does not absorb much of the energy as it is extremely ridged (but also comfortable enough to sit on).
This design also allows me to adjust my sitting position and the foot rests can be moved if I grow and need them lowering. The vertical hand grip provides me with addition support when throwing the javelin and shot, but can easily be removed when throwing the discus.
I would like to thank Adam and Peter for all their time and patience when making my throwing stool as it has been very much appreciated. The best way I can repay them is to use the stool to do well in all the competitions that I will enter during this summer.
To enable me to compete competitively in my sport, I needed a throwing frame which meets the newly revised International Paralympic Committee (IPC) rules. The rules try to make it fair for all disabled throwers who cannot stand so that they can compete against each other. The rules are very strict as to the dimensions that frames must be and therefore it was important that the design complied completely with these rules. The frames are measured and tested before every event and if found not to comply, the athlete is disqualified.
As well as complying with the rules it is also very important that the frame is both very strong yet portable. Moving equipment across an athletics field whilst using a wheelchair can be very hard, as can having the space in the car to transport it. Lastly the frame needed to be safe enough for me to use without falling off, either when mounting it or once I am seated on it.
Adam and Peter from REMAP worked with me and my Dad to design and build a frame which would meet all the different requirements. They prepared several designs and helped build a prototype which I tested several times before finalising the design.
The final frame has exceeded all my expectations. The design allows me to use it not only on a proper concrete throwing circle but also on wet ground because the base spreads the frame and my weight evenly. This is very important as much of my training is on grass and in all weather conditions. The frame is always stable when fixed to the tie-down straps and gives me a strong ridged seat to sit on. This stability means that the maximum amount of my energy I use when throwing, is concentrated into my throw and not lost due to movement of the frame. Even the sitting cushion does not absorb much of the energy as it is extremely ridged (but also comfortable enough to sit on).
This design also allows me to adjust my sitting position and the foot rests can be moved if I grow and need them lowering. The vertical hand grip provides me with addition support when throwing the javelin and shot, but can easily be removed when throwing the discus.
I would like to thank Adam and Peter for all their time and patience when making my throwing stool as it has been very much appreciated. The best way I can repay them is to use the stool to do well in all the competitions that I will enter during this summer.