Paralympic Champion Chris to talk about his challenges
London 2012 Director of Paralympic Integration Chris Holmes has a busy schedule when he visits Oasis Academy, Brightstowe, Bristol, this afternoon (23 September).
Chris will be greeted at the academy by the Principal, Matt Butler, and 15 students who all won awards for displaying one of the seven Olympic and Paralympic Values during sports day last term.
They will accompany Chris, who competed at four Paralympic Games and won 15 medals in swimming events – including nine golds – to a special assembly where he will present the Academy with its London 2012 Get Set Network plaque.
The Get Set network, an integral part of the London 2012 education programme, is a reward and recognition scheme for schools and colleges that are committed to living the Olympic and Paralympic Values.
Chris will talk to the students about the challenges he faced as a youngster going blind aged 14, his experiences as an athlete and an update on how things are going with his current role as Director of Paralympic Integration.
He will take part in a question-and-answer session, which promises to be a lively half-hour with some good questions for Chris from students whoare planning to hold their own inter-house Paralympic competitions.
During his visit, Chris Holmes will also highlight that tickets for the Paralympic Games are on sale until 6pm on Monday 26 September 2011 and that people can apply at www.tickets.london2012.com.
Chris Holmes said:
“One of the privileges of my role at London 2012 is that I get the opportunity to travel around the UK finding out about some of the truly fantastic projects that are going on, inspired by the London 2012 Games. Today is one of those days and I’m delighted to be here in Bristol. I’d like to encourage everyone here today and people from across the South West to get involved, take the opportunity to apply for tickets for the Paralympic Games and come to London for what will be a phenomenal summer of sport.”
Academy Principal, Matt Butler, said:
“It is an honour for us to have Chris visit and share his amazing achievements with our students. The Olympic and Paralympic values are things that we have spoken to the students about often as they echo our values here at the Academy so strongly. I am confident that Chris will make those values come alive, which is so important for our students and their own development.”
The visit to Bristol, part of a day-long visit to the region, was arranged by Team South West, the regional partnership which is working to maximise the social, economic and sporting benefits from the London 2012 Games for the communities of South West England.
