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| Dr Bruce-Low and Aaron Phipps. |
A crew from Channel 4 is coming into the University’s Centre for Health, Exercise and Sport Science, where Aaron has trained, as part of a live feature to cheer on the British Paralympic team. The University is hoping to gather a crowd of supporters to come along to the filming to show their support for Aaron.
Aaron – who started wheelchair racing in 2007 before switching to rugby in 2009 – has represented Great Britain at three major competitions.
“Wheelchair rugby is fast-paced; it's the only full-contact wheelchair sport,” said Aaron.
“The Paralympics are the highest level an athlete can compete at and it will be amazing to represent my country.
“Our coach, Tom O'Connor, has been very inspirational and Solent University’s sports science team, headed by Dr Stewart Bruce-Low has helped me a lot."
Wheelchair rugby – originally known as murderball because of its aggressive, full-contact nature – is played on an indoor court and involves teams of up 12, with four players per side on court at any one time.
Since making its Paralympic debut in Sydney in 2000 the game has gone from strength to strength, and tickets for the sport at London 2012 sold out in record time.
Filming starts at 7.40am with live slots at 8.15am and 8.45am, and supporters are asked to come to the venue at least 15 minutes before filming starts.
Here's your chance to show your support and cheer Aaron on, so please let the Press Office know in advance if you'd like to come along by emailing press.office@solent.ac.uk. Flags and noise welcome!
