Qld: Teenager to chop in woodchop arena

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2000
Qld: Teenager to chop in woodchop arena

By Janelle Miles

BRISBANE, Aug 9 AAP - A one-armed woodchopper will compete at the Brisbane Exhibition
at the weekend after show officials today backed down during a meeting with the teenager,
his mother and lawyers.

Officials had banned 15-year-old Nick Fredriksen from competing because of safety concerns,
then yesterday offered a compromise by ruling he could take part, but away from the woodchopping
arena.

The compromise was unacceptable to the Fredriksens with Nick's mother Marie saying
it still meant her son was being discriminated against.

"Everyone else is good enough to woodchop in the woodchopping arena but Nick can't
because they think he's too dangerous," she said yesterday.

But Royal National Association (RNA) officials did a full backflip today during a two-and-a-half
hour meeting with the Fredriksens.

"The matter's been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties. The RNA will erect
a further safety fence around the (woodchopping) arena and Nicholas is looking forward
to chop at the weekend," RNA president Colin Meagher said after the meeting.

"It was common sense. Normal people sat around a table and worked out a sensible arrangement."

Nick and his mother both said they were satisfied with the outcome.

"I'm pleased that they've made their decision," Nick said.

"The matter's been fixed up now. I'll be chopping in the woodchopping arena with everyone else."

Nick said he would continue to chop at shows throughout southeast Queensland and also
planned to enter next year's Sydney Royal Easter Show.

"There shouldn't be any more problems," he said.

AAP jhm/sc/maur

KEYWORD: WOODCHOPPER NIGHTLEAD

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