Menna thrilled at Paralympics trip
A SKIER from Tytherington has spoken of her excitement after being selected to take part in a programme for future Paralympians.
Menna Fitzpatrick, 18, from Dorchester Way, is one of 21 athletes representing 13 different sports to take part in The Paralympic Inspiration Programme in Rio.
The programme is run by the British Paralympic Association, Help for Heroes and funders the Cadbury Foundation and Boshier-Hinton Foundation and its purpose is to enable Paralympian hopefuls to experience a Paralympic Games.
The former Fallibroome Academy and Prestbury Primary School pupil, who has a visual impairment, was nominated by British Skiing to join the programme, which first launched in London in 2012.
She said: “It’s amazing to have the opportunity to see what the Paralympics is all about. It will help me learn how athletes prepare and to experience the scale of a Paralympic Games.”
The determined athlete started skiing at the tender age of five while on holiday with her family and says the sport gives her a feeling of freedom.
She said: “I love the exhilaration of the speed and the wind on my face. Because of my visual impairment I can’t ride a bike but skiing gives me that similar feeling of freedom. It’s my first time in Brazil and as a winter sports athlete it’s strange to be in the sun!”
The programme includes a rigorous curriculum with lessons in nutrition, media, anti-doping, competition planning and goal setting.
Menna said: “The whole experience has been amazing. From the moment we sat down in the stadium for the opening ceremony the atmosphere was electric – it’s a moment that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”