Kate Nipperess’s family will never forget the phone call they received on July 28, 2016. A head-on collision with a loose horse had left their jockey daughter with severe injuries. She then required extensive surgery and ongoing treatment.
‘My family were left in a mess in the waiting room, being told they didn’t know what would happen to me or if I would make it through the surgery’, Kate said in an interview. ‘I broke my neck, most of my ribs, my shoulder, both of my lungs and I was knocked unconscious.’
While the family anxiously waited, Rev Colin Watts arrived and stayed by their side, providing much-needed comfort and support. Given the extent of Kate’s injuries, which left her in a wheelchair, she thought she would never ride again. However, Kate is now back in the saddle and determined to compete in the 2024 Paralympics.
Supporting the Wellbeing of Athletes
Kate’s story is a familiar one for Colin. A former Sydney rector, he has been a full-time racing chaplain with the Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy (ARCC) for almost 15 years. Along with other chaplains in ARCC, he supports the wellbeing of athletes in Australia’s thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing industries, caring for their physical, spiritual and emotional needs in a gentle and non-judgmental manner.
‘We’re there to support people who work in the racing industry, and that involves getting alongside them in whatever they’re going through in life,’ Colin said in an interview. ‘We do that because of our Christian conviction that God loves all people – and therefore people in racing – and that’s what drives us.’
Unfortunately, the racing industry is dangerous. But the ARCC chaplains are there to support the wellbeing of athletes, including those competing in the Olympics and Paralympics. Ninety-five percent of the time, it’s for a quiet, simple chat. The other five percent is when things get tough, including things like relationship break downs, job issues, and even leading funerals.
Glorifying God Through Sport
Last year the ARCC chaplains visited 50 different people in hospitals across the country. Their services are provided free of charge. ‘It’s a huge industry and the needs are great,’ says Colin. ‘But there is also tremendous acceptance and support for the chaplains.’
Competing at the 2024 Paralympics remains the target for jockey Kate Nipperess. Join with all of us at Vision in praying for Kate’s success and that the ARCC Chaplains will continue to glorify God through sport.
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