TWO teenagers from Huddersfield are Beijing-bound to help raise awareness of disabled sports.
Rachael Kain and Robyn Stevens, both 18, are taking part in the Young Advocates Programme at the Paralympic Games.
The girls, who completed A-levels at Greenhead College this year, will be among 100 young people from the UK who will fly to China’s capital next month.
They will take part in training and skills courses designed to teach them more about the ethos of the Paralympics.
The idea is that all advocates, who include people from other countries, will then be able to pass on what they have learned when they return home and encourage others to use sport to bring people together.
Rachael, of Blagden Lane, New-some, has cerebral palsy and is a national champion in boccia, a sport similar to the French sport of boules but played by disabled people.
She said: “There’s definitely less prestige around disabled sports compared to sports played by able-bodied people.
“When you ask people what the Olympics are awareness is fantastic, but when you ask them about the Paralympics the difference in the response is phenomenal.”
Robyn, of Skelmanthorpe, said: “I have learned so much from Rachael’s experience and it has opened my eyes a lot about disabled sports. All sports can be played by people with disabilities; there’s no reason why they should be left out.”
Rachael and Robyn have already been Youth Sport Trust ambassadors, promoting sport, physical education and healthy living among young people.
They said they were excited about the prospect of travelling to China for the Paralympics, which take place from September 6 to 17.
Rachael said: “It will be a fantastic experience and a great way to round off the work we have already done.”
