The Dreamfit gym sponsored by Wood Group Integrity Management (WGIM), has been installed at YMCA Morley Rec Centre, for use by Dream recipient Imran Ariff and the local disability community.
Dreamfit Foundations ‘2010 Dreamcatcher program’ saw nine teams of University of Western Australia (UWA) engineering students, supported by engineering industry mentors and sponsors compete against each other to design original and innovative dream solutions for three lucky recipients.
After a year of design challenges, mentor meetings and long hours spent in the workshop; the year culminated with an end of year event at which the completed projects were unveiled and the winners announced.
One of those winners – team ‘Gymran’ sponsored and mentored by WGIM, designed a gym for Imran, a young man living with cerebral palsy.
WGIM staff were proactively engaged with the UWA students (James Moody, Lawrence Weir, Simon Harris & James Harding), guiding them and exposing them to invaluable industry experience- an edge that aspiring engineers who participate in a Dreamfit program, have over others.
“As project mentors our job was to provide practical support to the students, particularly in the areas of project management. I found it a really rewarding experience.” Engineering Manager WGIM Chris Saunders shared.
“When the project came to an end and we stopped meeting with the students, it did feel like something was missing from our week,” he said.
While the student engagement and mentoring is a huge beneficial factor, mentor Renee Barnes found satisfaction from a community viewpoint as well. “To be involved in something related to the community and to feel like you’ve given something back, is a great feeling.”
Thanks to Dreamfit and WGIM team ‘Gymran’, 33 year old Imran is able to go to the gym and use the exercise equipment designed especially for people with disabilites. The passion that Imran has for wanting inclusion in society for others living with disabilities is inspirational.
“I am pleased to hear that my Dream gym is now in at the Morley Recreation Centre for me to use and share with the community,” said Imran. “Having the equipment available for use by the whole community is a positive step towards developing a better understanding of those with special needs wanting to become active and significant members in their community.”
WGIM is excited to be involved with Dreamfit again in 2011, this time sponsoring and mentoring students in the Land Sailing Design Challenge. The students will be asked to convert traditional windsurfing equipment into a specially designed device that can be used on land.
While this sport, known as land sailing or land yachting, does currently exist it is only a relatively new development and there are currently no options for people with disabilities. The students and WGIM will be challenged to develop a product that can be used by people with a range of disabilities and mobility limitations.
Operations Director Enda O'Sullivan is quietly confident that they’ll have a winning team again this year. “ I know that we’re going to give the same level of enthusiasm and commitment, and hopefully we’ll come out on top again.” he said.
