Final preparations for this year’s Surrey Para Games are being made with local National Kayaker and aspiring Olympian, Chris Carson this year lending his support.
20-year-old Chris from Shalford has had to overcome many hurdles along the way as he suffers with autism, dyscalculia, and dyslexia. Chris has also had to deal with a condition known as Sensory Integration Disorder. Despite these issues, and with the support of Charterhouse Club, he has his sights set on competing in the Olympic Games. Chris now trains regularly at the Club and he has also embarked on a lifeguard course.
Now in its sixth year, The Surrey Para Games has become a firm fixture in the Surrey School Games Programme. This year, it takes place on Thursday 4th July 2019 and is open to all Surrey school children in Years 7-10 with special educational needs and disabilities including those within mainstream schools. Participants (in teams of up to 20 per school) rotate around three different sports at one central venue – the prestigious Charterhouse Club in Godalming. Sports this year will include boccia, cricket, cycling, football, rowing, rugby, tennis, and sitting volleyball.
Last year over 200 young SEND students took part in a variety of sports giving them not only an enjoyable day, but the opportunity to try new sports for the first time. The Para Games also enables sports talent identification and links with National Governing Bodies of sport talent pathways, as well as connections with local clubs for continued participation and involvement after the event.
Commenting on his involvement in the Games, Chris Carson commented: “I learnt about the Surrey Para Games through my training at the Charterhouse Club and when asked if I’d like to get involved, I jumped at the chance. I’m really looking forward to meeting as many participants as possible on the day, sharing my own experiences and lending my support.”
South West Surrey MP, Jeremy Hunt MP, who founded the Games as a legacy to the London 2012 Paralympics said: “Year on year this event continues to grow – attracting more clubs, sports and participants. I am delighted that Chris has joined our event. His background, experience and skill, like our Games Ambassador and Paralympian Rachel Morris MBE, will be an inspiration to those young people taking part.”
The Surrey Para Games is delivered through Active Surrey in partnership with Charterhouse Club. The event is generously sponsored by COINS Foundation and the DFN Charitable Foundation
Schools still have the opportunity to sign up by contacting [email protected]
