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Going the distance triples the challenge

A 10-year-old who finished the 5K last year will take on the Gasparilla 15K in his racing wheelchair.

By SHERYL KAY
Published February 24, 2006

LUTZ - It just takes one good challenge to get Joey Chiavaroli motivated.

Last year it was his Lutz chiropractor, Dr. Scott Paton, inviting Joey to join him in the 5K race for Gasparilla, thinking the 10-year-old would balk.

But Joey did enter, finishing with an impressive 36 minutes.

This year Paton threw down an even bigger challenge: Saturday's Gasparilla 15K Classic.

Joey, who was born with spina bifida and competes in a racing wheelchair, jumped on the opportunity. "His outlook is far superior than any young boy of that age," Paton said. "He completely believes in himself. He's a real competitor."

For years Joey has competed in national wheelchair events. But he has never faced such a grueling test of endurance as the 15K, which translates to approximately 9.3 miles. Arlene Sand, who chairs the junior division of Wheelchair Sports USA, says Joey is the first child his age in a wheelchair to participate in the race's 29-year history.

"Yea, I'm a little nervous," said Joey, who splits his time between his mother's home in Charlotte County and his father's in Hudson. "I know I'll finish it, but it's a big race and anything could happen."

If practice truly makes perfect, Joey should do great, said his dad, Randy Chiavaroli. Joey spends at least two afternoons a week swimming for 21/2 hours each day, and recently started traversing a 10-mile bicycle trail in preparation for the 15K.

In addition to building up his physical stamina, Joey has also improved on his mental attitude.

"He's really focused now on what he's doing," said Chiavaroli. "He really wants to win, and he'll go that extra mile."

Paton, who laid the groundwork for the race, also has turned the event into a fundraiser for Joey. Because he is growing, Joey frequently needs a new racing wheelchair, which costs about $3,000, plus $1,000 a year for tires. And that does not include thousands of dollars in travel expenses.

Paton also plans to be alongside his patient in the race.

"My prediction is I'll beat him," Joey said.

- For more information about Joey, see his Web page at www.joeywheelchairracing.com Contact reporter Sheryl Kay at skreporter@hotmail.com or call 813 230-8788.

[Last modified February 23, 2006, 12:39:06]