Stephen Thomas - SAILING

This month we wanted to introduce Paralympic Sailor Stephen Thomas. Stephen lives in Cardiff and does visits in the South West Region. He has been a Sporting Champion for about 18 months.

Factfile
Date of birth - 5 January 1977
Place of birth - Bridgend, Wales
Sport - Sailing

How did you first get involved in your sport?
I was asked to try out for the team in 2002, because the previous person in my position had retired. I had no experience in sailing but I had the physical attributes required to do the role within the boat.

Who is your sporting hero and why?
Lance Armstrong - an amazing athlete and person, he overcame cancer to win the Tour de France for the 7th time. Steve Redgrave a winner spanning 5 Olympic Games.

How do you feel about going to Beijing?
Excited, nervous, proud, ready and most of all looking forward to putting 6 years of hard work to the test.

What do you love about being a Sporting Champion?
Being able to interact with school children, encouraging, motivating and educating the children about the benefits that sport can bring.

Also just seeing how much sport can bring to school children's lives. There are always a couple of children at any event that are a little unsure about physical activity at the beginning and are a little timid. I love bringing them out of their shell and instilling some confidence through the medium of sport.

What is the best visit you have been on and why?
I have to say that all the visits I have been on have been excellent. They have all given the participants a wide range of activities to have a go at and there has been an element of competition in the events, which helps to motivate and inspire the children to carry on and strive for personal best.

Thanks Stephen for your time and good luck in Beijing next month.

What the organisers say:

"Stephen was excellent from start to finish and really helped out on the day in many different ways." Rob Allan, Swindon Borough Council.

"Stephen was very keen to interact with the children at every opportunity without the prompts or assistance. We'll definitely be asking for him at future events." Lee Ward, Wesport

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