Paralympic champ of the future glides in to inspire students
A DISABLED skiing champ visited her old school to inspire pupils.
Fallibroome Academy welcomed Menna Fitzpatrick to present medals and signed certificates to students who took part in the Sports Day+ event.
The approach to the event was to allow full participation by both able-bodied pupils and those who have additional needs.
Events included relay races, throwing events and a Boccia tournament.
Menna, 17, from Tytherington, was born with a visual impairment. She took up skiing when she was five on family holidays and would follow her dad down the ski slopes.
She was spotted at the Chill Factore in Manchester by the British Para Snow Sports Team and struck up a winning partnership ski racing with her guide Jennifer Kehoe.
Menna trains with the Welsh ski team and Welsh club Dragons Alpine.
After success in the Europa Cup circuit where the pair won several gold medals, they went on to compete in the World Cup races, winning gold again.
Menna’s goal is to compete in the Korean Winter Paralympics in 2018, for which she is currently training in Norway, with more training commencing in Italy later this year.
Headteacher Peter Rubery said: “This is the first time that the school has had a celebrity to present Sports Day+ medals and it was a real success.
“Students relished Menna’s company and were inspired by her drive and enthusiasm.
“This was a fitting way to celebrate another successful Sports Day+ with the company of a former student and a potential future Paralympian.”