Think racing through an obstacle course that tests dexterity, maneuvering techniques, hockey skills and painting talent sounds easy? Try doing it in a wheelchair.

The annual Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Scotiabank Wheelchair Challenge has teams compete for the best time as they take on an obstacle course in a wheelchair.

The event provides a fun, competitive event with accessibility awareness.

This year’s event will take place Sunday, June 8, at the Scotiabank Financial Centre on Collier Street in Barrie.

“All they need to do is come with their family and their pledge sheet. Wheelchairs will be provided,” said Lee Walker, event chairperson. “Our goal is to get 42 teams.”

Organizers are still looking for teams who wish to compete in this fundraiser that supports Canadians with spinal cord injuries.

“We want to run it as a family day,” Walker said. “While this competition is going on there will be all kinds of events going on for children.”

Events include a kid zone, sledge hockey and basketball games.

Walker said though Wheels In Motion has always been important to Scotiabank, there is a close connection this year.

“Whether it’s through family or a fellow employee this is definitely touching home more,” she said.

“There was an employee who had a bad car accident and a lot of people know her. She is doing well as she can after that. She is hoping to come out that day.”

Collier Street will be closed between Clapperton and Mulcaster for the event.

Jonathan Dehaas, Rick Hansen Foundation Ambassador, will be on site for the event, giving the competitors some tips, and maybe even popping some wheelies.

“They won’t let me on the teams,” he joked. “I’ll be here answering all the questions. It’s good to have someone here who has been through it, living thorough the changes and in touch with what you do as a paraplegic.”

Dehaas, who was a motocross racer, was critically injured in a motorcycle accident in 1996.

Dehaas said he isn’t angry about what happened to him. He has learned to deal with life.

“Hey, accidents happen,” he said. “I still have the back pain, but you grit your teeth and you get through it.”

Dehaas said the Rick Hansen Foundation has made his life easier by fighting for accessibility.

“I have a lot of respect for what the Rick Hansen Foundation does,” he said. “You realize that in the old days, they didn’t have the ramps at all the buildings. Or the easy-open doors. They have helped a lot more people like mothers with strollers and I know the UPS guys love them.”

Teams of five can register for the Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion Scotiabank Wheelchair Challenge at the website, or by calling 1-866-60-WHEEL.