Medicine Hat teen makes cross-country history as first power-chair para athlete at zones

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The Grade 7 student said the race was a meaningful experience, particularly getting to share the course with his brother, who is in Grade 12.

“It meant a lot being able to run with Gage and do it and get close to the same pace as him,” Reid said.

The race marked Reid’s first time competing at zones through his school, although he has participated in other public cross-country events.

His mother, Rebecca Hintz, said the zones competition previously did not allow power chairs because of concerns they could give an athlete an advantage.

After discussions between the event commissioner and Reid’s gym teacher, that ruling was overturned, allowing him to compete.

Reid finished second in his under-13 category, which included two athletes.

For his family, the moment represented more than a finish time or placing.

His mother said Reid has spent years attending his older brother’s races, often watching from the sidelines. Seeing the two compete on the same course as athletes was especially meaningful.

“It’s amazing because Reid’s been [dragged] along to his brother’s races since he was so small,” Hintz said.

“He’s always just sat on the sidelines cheering them on to see him out on the same course where his brother competed later that afternoon and to get to see them as equals, to both be athletes instead of just the little brother along for the ride is huge.”

Gage accompanied Reid as a guide runner because organizers required a runner to be alongside him for safety.

Reid said he wants to return to the zones competition next year and believes the experience will help him feel more confident.

Hintz hopes the opportunity will help build momentum for other para athletes, too.

She estimated roughly 600 junior high students took part in the event and said seeing schools stay to cheer on the para athletes was another highlight.

“It’s to see that it was important enough, each school mostly stayed behind to cheer on these athletes instead of just packing it up and telling the kids to get on the bus,” Hintz said.

Hintz described the support from other schools, including students running alongside athletes and cheering them on throughout the two-kilometre course, as a “goosebump moment.”

The opportunity also reflects a longer journey for Reid and his family, who have worked to find accessible ways for him to participate in athletic events.

Nearly four years ago, Darryl Smith of Eagle Butte High School approached the family about having a Medicine Hat College Rattler runner accompany Reid in a two-kilometre race.

His mother said they were initially unsure how he would manage the course, particularly on grass and hills, which can use more of his wheelchair’s battery power.

Since then, Reid has taken part in events including the Rattler Run and the three-kilometre Flutterwhack.

His family also pointed to Conquer the Ridge, where organizer Randy created an accessible three-kilometre course for participants using wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.

Hintz hopes the progress continues as Reid gets older, potentially opening the door to provincial-level competition.

“I think this is a great movement,” Hintz said.

“We’re just starting in the zones category in Grade 7. I can’t wait to see what our Grade 12 year looks like.”

As Reid turns 13 on Sunday, Oct. 11, the goal is simple going forward: keep participating.

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat teen makes cross-country history as first power-chair para athlete at zones

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