In this summer special episode of Craftcast: the Freemasons Podcast, hosts Shaun, James, and Stephen welcomed a very special guest, Brother Ben Pritchard, a Paralympian preparing for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The hosts expressed their excitement about the Olympics and Paralympics, sharing their favourite moments and sports they've been watching.
Ben Pritchard, a member of Corinthian Lodge 4917 in the Province of South Wales, shared his journey into Freemasonry. He joined in 2019 and is progressing to Junior Warden this year. Ben explained that he was introduced to Freemasonry by a lifelong friend, after moving back home due to accessibility issues in London following a cycling accident.
The conversation then turned to Ben's sporting career. He described his background in triathlon and cycling, competing at a high level before a tragic accident in 2016 left him paralysed from the ribcage down. During his rehabilitation at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Ben was introduced to rowing by British Rowing. Despite initial struggles, he persevered and began trialling for Great Britain just weeks after leaving hospital.
Ben detailed his intense training regime, which includes 49 weeks a year of training, six days a week, with typically three sessions a day. He expressed gratitude for the support he receives from the UK National Lottery funding.
The discussion then focused on Ben's experience as a Freemason with a physical disability. He praised his Lodge and the wider Freemasonry community for their inclusive attitude, sharing how they've adapted Ceremonies and practices to accommodate his needs. Ben emphasised that accessibility is more about mind set than infrastructure, and he appreciated the 'yes if' attitude he's encountered in Freemasonry.
Reflecting on the ongoing Olympics, Ben shared his favourite moment so far - a thrilling race-off in the 100-metre men's breaststroke semi-finals. He also expressed his excitement about watching boccia at the upcoming Paralympics, describing it as a fascinating mental skill sport.
Ben concluded by discussing the freeing atmosphere of the Paralympic Games, where his disability is not the defining characteristic that people notice. He drew parallels between this feeling and his experience in his Lodge.
The hosts thanked Ben for his time and wished him luck in the upcoming Paralympics. They encouraged listeners to follow Ben's journey on his social media channels and to watch the upcoming Paralympic Games.
Listen to the full ‘Craftcast: Paralympics Special Edition’ podcast.
Listen to the rest of the Craftcast podcast
