19th July 2011 Luton athletes star on the national stage
Two disabled athletes from Luton came home with six gold and two bronze medals after a weekend of sporting triumphs at the National Disability Athletics Championships in Blackpool and Preston from 8-10 July.
Emily Fordham won an astonishing five gold medals across various events while Nathan Greene secured a gold and two bronze medals which included three personal bests in his throwing events.
The two athletes joined forces with athletes from Hertfordshire and other counties to help the Eastern Region squad to a second place overall finish, winning an impressive 120 medals between the 38 competing athletes in the squad.
Active Luton, who run sports and recreation activities and facilities in Luton on behalf of the Council, have trained and developed these athletes at Stockwood Park Athletics Centre and Health Hub.
Matt Corder, Team Manager from Active Luton, said: "The impeccable sportsmanship and outstanding athletic talent of these two young athletes are an inspiration to others.
"The discipline and commitment shown in their training continued through the championships and their motivation inspired the younger athletes who were new to the experience.
"We at Active Luton are proud that athletes like these two have benefitted from our modern sports facilities and programmes, which not only help the people of Luton to live healthier more active lives, but also give us the ability to support potential future sports champions."
Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, Portfolio Holder for sports and arts, said: "There is so much sporting talent in Luton and I am delighted that this can be recognised at prestigious events such as this one.
"The success of these fine young athletes is particularly noteworthy and a testament to their unbreakable spirits as well as their unmatched physical fitness and determination.
"I hope these latest achievements, which come a year out from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, will inspire local people to get involved in sport and physical activity."
Active Luton run a disability-specific sports programme called Access 2 Sport for primary and secondary school children during term time. They also welcome any child with a physical or learning disability to train and attend events throughout the year. For more information call 01582 400272 or visit www.activeluton.co.uk
The Luton Schools Disability Sports Foundation helped organise the event along with parents and families who generously volunteered their time. Prestige Design & Workwear Ltd sponsored the athletes and supplied personalised Jackets for them to wear.
