Even though he was not competing, the Wagga man’s efforts helped the men and women who were. 

Working in, what has been referred to as the “pit lane”, Mr Cattanach, from Better Mobility, spent the first half of the international sporting event as a volunteer for Ottobock, assisting in the maintenance and repairs of competitors’ wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs. 

The Sydney-hosted event is part of an annual initiative, supporting wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans to take part in sports, like wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and swimming events. 

Even though Mr Cattanach was unable to watch a match, he said keeping the rugby teams rolling had been a “special experience” and one he hoped to repeat at the next games in Tokyo. 

“I’ve never done anything quite like it,” Mr Cattanach said. “It was great.”