Martin has got Tokyo in his sights
Table tennis ace is a rising Scots star
Craig Ritchie
Paisley’s Martin Perry hopes to become a Paralympian at Tokyo in 2020 after becoming one of the world’s top 20 table tennis players in his class.
Now he is widely tipped to feature in the forthcoming 2017 Sunday Mail sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards which will showcase people who are the beating heart of Scottish sport.
And Perry falls into that category as a young person who has overcome adversity to pursue a career in sport.
His inspirational story was recently featured in a short film created by sportscotland, the national agency for sport.
The former Williamsburgh Primary and Gleniffer High pupil was born prematurely weighing 2lb 2oz, and with only one fully-formed limb – his right leg.
Martin, 22, grew up playing football with his three older brothers but it was when he took up rugby that his athletic potential was spotted by Scottish Disability Sport (SDS).
At first, though, he wasn’t keen to be labelled as a disabled athlete.
Martin said: “Scottish Disability Sport came to the house, along with an Active Schools co-ordinator who I knew, and they told me about the fantastic summer camp that they ran every year, and I immediately said no.
“I didn’t like being pigeon-holed as disabled and having to play sport with other disabled people.
“They told me they could find me a pathway to have a future in sport but I wasn’t interested because I thought I was good enough to play able-bodied sport.”
The career path presented to him by SDS soon changed his mind, however and now he is based in Sheffield with the GB Para Table Tennis team and living the life of a full-time athlete.
“I totally believe that anything is possible. The support from sportscotland, Scottish Disability Sport and Drumchapel Table Tennis Club, for me it’s been amazing,” he said.
“Para sport is a constantly growing and developing movement so it’s fantastic to be a part of.
“My future is in Para sport and I look forward to that future.”
Who do you think are the true heroes of Scottish sport? Nominate at sundaymailsportsawards. co. uk in categories such as School Sport Award, Local Club of the Year and Local Hero if you know anyone who deserves recognition.
The nomination deadline is October 2.