A Dundee wheelchair rugby player is set to star in the World Cup for Scotland this week despite being a full 46 years older than his youngest teammate.
David Birtles will feature in the squad for the country’s games in the tournament in Sheffield with the first match against the USA on Friday.
At 62, David is the oldest member of the Wheelchair Rugby League team but says he is out to prove age is no barrier to success in the sport.
Although a native of Birmingham, he has spent much of his adult life in Caledonia having relocated in his 30s and so qualifies under international rules.
Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
The Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports club member is affected by the progressive muscle-wasting disease Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.
The condition means his muscles fail to recover if he overexerts himself but ultimately it has not prevented him showcasing his sporting talents.
The dad-of-two said: “I was late to wheelchair sports but I think I’m catching up on time.
“It’s a real buzz being involved in a World Cup. I just treat everyone the same, I don’t care about age and I don’t think anyone else does.
“The coach actually said to me recently I’m one of the fastest in the squad. That is obviously a good feeling.”
He added: “I’ve always loved sport but when I was diagnosed 30 years ago I had to stop doing so much just to protect myself.
“When I joined the Dundee Dragons it just opened up a whole world for me and I’ve also been playing other sports like tennis, basketball, and even surfing recently in Stonehaven.
“My wife Elizabeth has been a rock for me and she’s supported me to do all this.”
Scotland has a 12-man squad with a maximum of 10 players named in each match day squad.
There are five players in the starting line-up with group games against USA, France, and Wales.
The squad has been involved in intense fundraising in recent years with David taking to the snow and ice to bring in cash.
David’s World Cup dream almost hit the skids however in a friendly game this week.
His chair was damaged in a particularly forceful challenge, leaving it inoperable.
“I was really worried that was my World Cup over before it had even begun,” he said.
“How it works is a player will bash into you and take your tag, and during a game with Australia their players were going in hard.
“My chair was broken and it wasn’t looking good.
“But luckily we’re getting a specialist in to have a look at it and I’m confident I’ll either get it fixed or get another one to use.”
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