Sid James (left) and Kevin Ferguson (right) trying out the chair.

Kevin Ferguson and Sid James have been mates for many years.

This year they plan to take their bond to a new level, competing in a triathlon, half-marathon and the Ironman World Championships, side by side.

Sid is the Victor Harbor Triathlon Race Director and acquired C3 quadriplegia more than 20 years ago when he fell from his bike.

Kevin is one of the South Australia’s top triathletes. He is a 13-time world champion in his age group and has qualified to race his fifth Ironman World Championship in Hawaii later this year.

Kevin and Sid have applied to the Ironman World Championships for a special exemption to compete together in Hawaii – and make Sid’s Ironman dream come true.

If they get the go ahead, Kevin will drag Sid in an inflatable dinghy during the 3.8km swim, tow him in a custom chair during the 180km bike ride and push him in the same custom chair during the 42.2km run.

In February their custom chair arrived from the United States, just in time for the Victor Harbor triathlon on 12 March.

They met with Novita’s Assistive Technology Support (ATS) team to make some modifications to the chair to suit Sid’s needs. This included amending the brakes and harness, adding a gel seat cover, and side padding.

Novita is supporting Kevin and Sid by making all necessary modifications to the chair and dinghy, free of charge.

They recently tried out the modified chair during a simulation race, and couldn’t be happier.

“The chair was fantastic,” Kevin said.

“We’re really happy with all the modifications the ATS team made.”

Stay tuned to Novita’s Facebook page to follow Kevin and Sid’s journey and keep up with their progress.