I achieved my dream of becoming an athlete at the London Youth Games but I didn’t always have competitive opportunities available to me. 

I have a rare disability called spinocerebellar atrophy and ataxia. It affects my speech and mobility. I use a wheelchair over long distances. 

Growing up, I found it difficult to find competitive outlets for sport. At primary school, I wasn’t able to make it on to any of the football or cricket teams, and things weren’t much different in secondary school, until a PE teacher introduced me to the London Youth Games. 

“I’ve made some great friends and I love feeling part of a wider community.” 

“I do not need head starts.” 

Over the course of the next 5 years, I competed across multiple sports. In my final year, I won Gold in the 200m, racing without my wheelchair. 

I credit my time with the London Youth Games for making me more aware of the positive impact sport and keeping fit can have on my physical and mental wellbeing. 

However, the greatest benefits I have gained from the London Youth Games are the friendships I have made and the feeling that I am not alone and part of a wider community. 

“I’ve made some great friends and I love feeling part of a wider community.” 

London Youth Games helped foster my love of sport and competitive spirit. I currently play for the Surrey Disability Cricket team and am aiming to make it onto the England team one day.