Nine-year-old completes fundraising challenges
A READING schoolboy has seen off a decathlon of sporting challenges in aid of a mental health charity.
With the help of Britain’s finest athletes, fundraising superstar Dexter Rosier has excelled in ten different athletic tasks.
Dexter battled national table tennis champion Anaya Patel to complete his final challenge on Friday, June 24, just before his tenth birthday.
At the time of writing, the youngster has raised £641 for Sport in Mind; the charity looks to promote mental and physical wellbeing through sport, something the nine-year-old is already passionate about.
“Sometimes I feel scared, sometimes I feel shy, sometimes I feel like I want to run and hide,” Dexter said.
“So I cycle, play football, play tennis and run. This makes me feel free and happy. I feel like I really belong.
“Sport is everything - just playing and watching, even refereeing - so please, please, please consider donating.”
His challenges included playing hockey with Team GB players Amy Tennant and Sarah Jones, diving at the London Aquatics Centre with Olympic medallist Leon Taylor and kicking conversions with London Irish star Topsy Ojo.
Dexter attempted several sports for the first time such as padel and kayaking.
The decathlon also saw the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, join Dexter for a spot of archery at the Abbey Ruins.
She took to social media to praise the nine-year-old, labelling him “an inspiration”.
Retailer Decathlon UK has supported Dexter by providing the kit required to participate in each event.