Hinckley Times

Teenager pulls through for country at tug-of-war event

-

A TEENAGER from Barwell has represente­d his nation at a major tug-of-war competitio­n in Wales.

Joshua Winder, 16, who attends the Nuneaton campus of North Warwickshi­re and Hinckley College, competed for the England Junior Men’s A team at the first British and Irish Outdoor Tug-of-War Championsh­ips, hosted by the Welsh Tug-of-War Associatio­n in Llandrindo­d Wells, Powys.

Josh first became involved in tug-of-war around three years ago, when a friend at his army cadet club, Leicesters­hire, Northampto­n and Rutland Army Cadet Force, encouraged him to come along to their training sessions.

It was here that coach Major Alec Masson, who also trains the Under-18s national side, recognised Josh’s potential to pull ahead in the sport.

Taking on the finest pullers across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Josh and the team achieved the silver medal for their efforts in the competitio­n.

He is also set to compete for England in the 2016 World Tug-of-War Championsh­ips in Malmo, Sweden, later this month.

A family member said: “In the wake of Rio, Josh’s achievemen­ts tell a great story to the youth of the area, as a lot of children see representi­ng their country in sport as out of their grasp.

“Obviously, I am very proud of Josh, as are all the family.”

 ??  ?? Josh Winder, 16, from Barwell
Josh Winder, 16, from Barwell

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom