Paralympian rides in for school sports day
PARALYMPIC cyclist and silver medal winner Rik Waddon paid a visit to Marple Hall School to cheer pupils on as they took part in their annual sports day.
Teacher Zoe Lofthouse said they were ‘delighted and privileged’ by his attendance to present medals and trophies to the winners on the day, and Rik said he was impressed with the commitment of the pupils – especially the 17 special educations needs (SEN) students who took part.
Ms Lofthouse said: “We were lucky enough to have a rare sunny and fine day for our sports day this year.
“That, along with the largest number of competitors ever made this year’s sports day one of the best we have had.
“Huge thanks to the 26 student Sky Sports mentors who worked tirelessly to help make the day run smoothly.”
Rik, who suffers from cerebral palsy, took up cycling in 1991 at the age of 14 after being inspired by watching the Tour de France as a youngster.
In 2001 he started to compete in disability cycling and was selected to train with the Great Britain team just a few months later.
He made his paralympic debut at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, where he took the silver medal in the 1km Time Trial CP3.
At London 2012 he won silver in the mixed team sprint alongside Darren Kenny and Jon-Allan Butterworth.
Visit marplehall. stockport.sch.uk.