As part of their mission to improve lives using the power of physical activity and sport, Energize is seeking local sporting champions to inspire young people across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
The county sports partnership began its Champion Programme in January 2013 and currently promote a ‘Sensational Six’ Shropshire sport and physical activity advocates who seek to inspire young people by visiting schools, youth groups and community events.
The aim of the programme is to deliver motivational messages from people who have ‘been there and done it’ by competing at the highest levels, or who have used physical activity as a way of improving their lives or overcoming adversity.
“This is not just about sport – our Champion Programme is aimed at giving young people the inspiration to succeed at whatever they do,” explained Energize chief executive Chris Child.
The Sensational Six are:
Danielle Brown MBE – A double Paralympic gold medallist, three times World Champion and multiple world record holding archer, from Telford.
Bethan Partridge – Athlete and high jumper, from Bridgnorth, who was selected to represent England at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Mel Clarke – Overcame adversity to represent England at Paralympic archery, winning bronze at Beijing 2008 and silver at London 2012.
Kelda Wood – Brim-full of enthusiasm having seen first-hand the benefits personally of sport rehabilitation. Kelda is currently attempting to become the first person with a disability to row the Atlantic in aid of her own charity ‘Climbing Out’.
Darren Edwards – In August 2016, Darren sustained life-changing injuries from a fall whilst rock climbing in Wales. Paralysed from the chest down and facing uphill challenges on the road to his rehabilitation, he writes a blog and has founded a charity called ‘Strength Through Adversity’.
Di Carrington – At the age of 60, having never rowed before, she completed the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2017, breaking and setting three Guinness Book world records.
Chris Child said: “We are proud of our county’s sporting achievements and the inspirational champions that emerge.
“We have some terrific local sporting advocates and we are now looking for similar role models who will inspire others through their own achievements and experience.
“If you’ve achieved something inspirational from a sporting or physical activity perspective and would like to share your story, please do get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.”
Energize, based at The Guildhall in Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, promotes sport and active lifestyles, and believes there is an activity out there for everyone, whether they see themselves as ‘sporty’ or not.
The Champion Programme promotes positive and active lifestyle messages, which dovetail with other Energize initiatives, designed to help people to become more active.
For more information, contact Helen Madden at Energize on 01743 297191 or go to www.energizestw.org.uk for more details.
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