Disability Sport Wales
Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru

Young Advocate represents Wales in Beijing

A North Wales Police employee will have a dream come true when he represents his country at the Paralympics in Beijing.

James Lusted will be one of six people travelling from Wales to the Chinese capital in September as part of the British Council’s Young Advocates Programme.

James, from Rhos-on-Sea, will not only get to see the opening ceremony of the Paralympics and meet with all the athletes, but he will also get an idea of the scale of the event and what will be required of him in London 2012.

20-year-old James, who was born with Diastrophic Displasia (a form of dwarfism), has already made a name for himself in sport having won the Welsh Junior Sport Personality for three consecutive years, for his involvement in badminton, football and Boccia (a form of French boules).

“It is a fantastic opportunity and a great honour to be chosen to represent my country at such a huge event,” said James, who wishes to thank the British Council, North Wales Police, the Federation Sport Disability Wales, as well as his family, friends and staff at the Red Lion in Old Colwyn for making it possible for him to attend.

“I have always dreamt of attending the Olympics or the Paralympics, so going to Beijing to experience the different environment and culture is a dream come true,” he said, adding that he appreciates he will have to face up to issues and realise the values of people in China, but is hoping to bring back a wealth of experiences which can be developed for the Paralympics of 2012.

“It is fantastic that disabled athletes get the same opportunity to compete in such a world renowned event and I am hoping to use this experience to watch and observe other athletes attitudes towards the games,” he said, hinting that his ambition is to compete in the London games.

While James is in Beijing he is hoping to keep a record of the events he attends via a video blog and text blogs which will be broadcast exclusively on the North Wales Police website.

Greg George, Diversity Development manager for North Wales Police said: “I’m really pleased that James has been chosen to represent Wales in Beijing. The skills and experience he will get from the event will be invaluable to North Wales Police. James will be working closely with the Forces Diversity Unit on his return and I look forward to keeping track of his activities through his blog.”

James is pictured to the far right

Story taken from www.north-wales.police.uk

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