Australian Paraplegic attempts to break his own World Record in the Paralong Drive Cup

Dave Sawtell, Spina Bifida sufferer and paraplegic, is striving to break his own world record for the longest seated golf drive in America next month.   Dave set the world record for the Paralong Drive Cup in 2014 and is heading back this year to better his record.

Already highly regarded for his golfing achievements, Dave is a four time Queensland long drive champion, a three time Australian long drive golf champion, a Paralong Drive World Champion, and a Guinness World Record holder for the seated longest shot from a chair.  In addition, he was also a competition weightlifter with a best lift of 185 kilos, which he did for 11 years and has also completed a long distance paddle from Brisbane to the Gold Coast in 15 hours.

“I have never let my condition affect my outlook on life,” Mr Sawtell said today.

“If anything, it has made me push harder and work harder to achieve great things.   My motto is ‘never give up, never retreat’, and this is how I approach life.

“Despite my condition, I had always managed to stay fairly fit and healthy however in the last few years my health declined rapidly.

“I went from being a world champion to being full of pain and unable to move.   My condition started to catch up with me as I aged.

“It not only paused my dreams, it prevented me from living my everyday life.  To be honest, I thought my life was over and the Spina Bifida had finally got the better of me.

“At the time, I was in such a dark place.  Incredibly, through sheer luck, I was connected with a company called Niagara.  They produce a range of therapy products including ‘Cycloid Vibration Therapy’ (CVT) products.   I started using these and within a matter of months I noticed a dramatic improvement in my health and mobility.   Through continuing to use the products several times per day, I am now back to where I was fitness, health and mobility wise three years ago.

“Being able to reconnect with my sporting achievements and passion for golf has been largely thanks to the team at Niagara.”

Dave was first introduced to Niagara products during a shopping centre demonstration.  With the help of Niagara team, led by Ian Bellion, Dave was provided with a 12 week trial which delivered exceptional results.

“We could tell Dave was suffering from so much physical and emotional pain, and all we wanted to do was help him,” Mr Bellion said.

“By donating the CVT products to Dave, we were able to help him get his life back and his sporting goals back on the table.”

“Although, I had my physical limitations, I never let them stop me from pursuing my dreams,” Mr Sawtell added.

“With the help of Niagara, I am back on track pursuing my goals, and want to provide a sense of inspiration for any who has a physical disadvantage which is hindering them from pursuing their dreams.”

Dave Sawtell will be attempting to break his own world record at the 2017 Paralong Drive Cup on the 25^th and 26^th August 2017

www.davesawtell.com.au