Kamloops man wants to help physically disabled Pokemon Go players

KAMLOOPS – A Kamloops runner is hoping to help physically disabled Pokemon Go players whose games could be affected by their inability to comply with exercise requirements.

Jonathan Bowers says he came up with the idea when he saw something called "PokeWalk," a group which charges people money to have someone take their phones on walks so their Pokemon eggs can hatch.

In the game, players are required to walk at least two kilometres before their eggs can hatch. Bowers began wondering about how players who can't walk could still play.

"Maybe we'll make it for disabled people who can't walk, and do it non-profit," Bowers said.

He tweeted out his thought earlier this week, saying "Any physically disabled Pokemon Go players in #kamloops need some eggs hatched? I could take your phone for a run :)."

Bowers, along with a few of his friends who work at Kamloops Innovation Centre, participate in a running club. He says his friends would be very supportive if this Pokemon help system took off.

"I wouldn't even be twisting an arm, they'd be like 'Yeah, let's do it!'," Bowers said. "I would be interested in an extra incentive for running."

The only concern Bowers has about running while playing is having to hold the cell phone up the whole time. He says if you put the phone in your pocket and it goes to sleep, your kilometres won't be tracked.

"I'd love to do some big 15-kilometre run," Bowers said.

But things aren't set in stone yet, and Bowers hopes the public shows some interest in this new idea.

If you have a physical disability and need help hatching your Pokemon Go eggs, click here and Kamloops Innovation Centre will be in touch with you.

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