Paralympian inspires youngsters at Collyer’s
In his role as a Sport England ‘Sporting Champion’ ambassador, Andy was there to share his inspirational sporting journey, which began after he discovered disability sport follow a spinal cord injury at the age of 17. Although now retired from the professional arena, Andy visits schools and projects to deliver motivational speeches.
“Disability sport allowed me to make something good out of my accident,” Andy said. “Rather than give up, I decided to start playing Wheelchair Rugby.”
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Hide AdSince then Andy has achieved a string of successes at major sporting events, including being a three times Paralympian, his last at London 2012, and has won gold medals at three European Championships.
“If you really want something and work hard at it, absolutely anything is possible,” Andy told the 15 young people who attended the Sportivate session – the last in a block of six sessions providing an introduction to skills development and gamplay, delivered by coach Louis Power of Horsham District Council.
Sportivate is a full inclusive programme, offering sporting opportunities to both able bodied and disabled participants aged 11 to 25.
11-year-old Jamie, who attended the session, said: “I find the sessions really interesting and it’s fun to play basketball as I hardly get to play it anywhere else.”
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Hide AdTo help inspire and motivate these Sportivate participants, Sport England’s Sporting Champions team of current and retired elite athletes - many of whom competed at London 2012 – regularly visit Sportivate sessions to share their experiences and enthusiasm for sport.
Sportivate is the £56 million National Lottery funded Olympic and Paralympic legacy initiative that gives 11 to 25-year-olds who aren’t particularly sporty, six to eight weeks’ free coaching in a new sport and then helps them find low costs ways to continue to play.