Inspirational Assembly – Mrs Cooper

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday 24th May year 7 and 8 students were treated to an inspirational assembly led by former English Disabled athlete Chris Rattenbury.

Chris is an ambassador for the charity Wheelpower; who help to provide opportunities to enable disabled people to participate in sport, and to educate and inform about disabilities.

 

Year 7 and 8 listened intently to Chris’ story into sport. Chris has been in a wheelchair since birth; he went to a mainstream secondary school but found it difficult to accept his disability. Chris enjoyed sports but never really wanted to be an athlete. This all changed when he participated in the disabled games at Stoke Mandeville (an event previously attended by students at Bushey Meads). At the games with the support of wheelpower he embraced new challenges and eventually he went on to represent England and Great Britain the pinnacle of his career was winning a powerlifting gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

 

 

 

 

Chris went on to share the struggles he went through, both physically and mentally, after finishing as a full time athlete. He gave an honest account of some of the difficulties athletes go through when their careers come to an end and the way in which he managed to get his life back on track. The support of wheelpower was invaluable in Chris’s journey and the main reason he is an ambassador for them.

 

The students were then invited to ask Chris any questions about his journey and disabilities. Some well considered questions were asked regarding the design and costs of wheelchairs for both sport and general use, the concept of sponsorship around disability sport, and what he does with all his right shoes and trainers!  Chris was extremely complimentary about the students questioning and the interest in which they showed in his and other disabled activities.

 

We would like to thank Chris for giving up his time to deliver what was a truly informative and interesting assembly.