Andrew Liddawi, mountain biker and founder of adaptive cycling and hiking organisation Break the Boundary, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to Western Australia's trail industry.
Mr Liddawi, who broke his back in 2008, was the first person with a disability to cycle a hand-trike across 57 kilometres of the Cape-to-Cape Mountain Bike Race and is one of only two Australians to complete all four days of the race.
Despite his remarkable achievements on the track, it is Mr Liddawi's work advocating for other people with disabilities that has seen him awarded the 2022 WA Trails Industry Walking Stick Award.
Break The Boundary is a not-for-profit that advocates for accessibility and inclusion of people with physical and neurological disabilities in mountain biking and hiking, and acts as a central hub for people seeking information about adaptive biking and hiking around Australia.
The organisation also runs annual camps, clinics and riding groups and manages guidelines to help give others direction and guidance on accessible trails.
Through Break the Boundary, Mr Liddawi works closely with industry and government to advise on how trails can be more inclusive to cater for people with disability.
Mr Liddawi received his award at the 2022 Trails Forum where the State Government launched the Strategic Trails Blueprint 2022-2027. The blueprint will guide the planning, development and management of quality trails and trail experiences across the State with an increased focus on ensuring they are inclusive and accessible.
Visit https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/trails-blueprint for more information.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"Andrew 's life changed in 2008 when a mountain biking accident left him a quadriplegic. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to help change the lives of others with a disability.
"Andrew has been instrumental in championing accessibility and inclusion in the trails industry in Western Australia and throughout Australia, and has provided valuable input into the McGowan Government's new Strategic Trails Blueprint.
"Congratulations Andrew on your remarkable achievements and well-deserved award."
