Stephen's bionic legs impress Cannock pupils

Thursday, November 13, 2008, 00:00

A SPORTING champion with bionic legs took the children of a Hednesford primary school through their problem solving paces during a recent team building day.

More than 60 pupils from Pye Green Valley Primary School participated in the day, supported by year 10 sports leaders from Blake Valley Technology College.

The event, organised by the Cannock and Rugeley School Sports Partnership, was led by paralympic athlete Stephen Thomas, who has represented Great Britain in a number of world sporting events and plans to go for gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Having overcome a double leg amputation after contracting meningitis when he was 18-years-old, Mr Thomas has competed in sailing events at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and the International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) World Championships in 2005 and 2006, and also in Sledge Hockey at the Paralympic Winter Games 2006.

During the team building day, on Monday (October 20), he talked to the children about his motivation and how he progressed to compete at the highest level.

"His talk was not only inspirational but a real motivation for the children to set themselves challenges in their daily lives and strive to be their best," said Rose Brown, school sport co-ordinator for Cannock and Rugeley School Sport Partnership.

She added: "His motto to the children was don't let things happen, make things happen, be in control of your dreams.

"It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to experience listening and talking to a real Paralympic champion and to have his valuable input during their practical team building sessions.

"Everyone involved felt privileged and honoured to have been part of the day."