At the 2009 Ironman Western Australia, members of Team Maclean will swim 3.8 Kilometres, ride 180 Kilometres and run 42.2 Kilometres to earn the title of Ironman, but also to raise funds for the John Maclean Foundation, which provides life changing funding for young Australian wheelchair users.
In 1995 John Maclean Maclean became the first wheelchair athlete to complete the Hawaii Ironman and in 1998 became the first wheelchair athlete to swim the English Channel. To this day John's sporting feats are recognised worldwide and he continues to set the standard in what can be achieved by a paraplegic athlete. John's sporting feats are nothing short of incredible however it is his efforts in helping to improve the quality of life of young Australians in need that he is most proud of.
The John Maclean Foundation was established in 1998 to assist young Australians who use wheelchairs and provide them with the funding, impetus and motivation to 'get into life'. In ten years the foundation has raised two million dollars and changed the lives of kids all over Australia. The foundation provides new wheelchairs, medical assistance, vehicle modifications, computers, musical instruments or any item that will help to improve the quality of life for a young Australian under the age of 18 who uses a wheelchair
Ironman Western Australia is held in Busselton, Western Australia on Sunday December 5, 2010.