Essex County Council Paralympic Hopeful

Nominations

Lucy Hodges Sailing: For Lucy Hodges 2009 has been a year of great achievements despite what could have been great setbacks. In March Lucy travelled to New Zealand to take part in the IFDS World Blind Sailing Championships; despite her long term sighted tactician pulling out of the event only 6 weeks before, and a visually impaired crew who had not previously raced, Lucy helmed the Great Britain category b2 boat to the silver medal. On returning to the UK, Lucy worked with the East Anglian Sailing Trust and Haven Ports Yacht Club to organise and run the UK Blind Sailing Championships before taking part in the RYA sailability multi-class regatta where she helmed her Artemist 20 to 1st place against some very experienced sailors. Lucy is now launching a Paralympic campaign in the skud 18 class and all those around her hope to see her participate in this event in 2012.

Richard Chiassaro Wheelchair Athletics: Harlow resident Richard has been a wheelchair basketball player since the age of fifteen and is a regular in the Essex Outlaws team, but the last year has seen him successfully move into the world of wheelchair racing. Richard often trains twice a day and since starting training in this new sport, his progress and commitment has raised him to taking part in top level training sessions, with the target of 2012 in mind. In his first year of competition Richard has already achieved 1st place for the 200m and 3rd place for the 400m at both the Perival Disability grand prix and the Stoke Mandaville Championships and he has also competed in the Crystal Palace International Grand Prix. These are fantastic achievements considering Richard has little over 1 year's experience, making him definitely one to watch for the future.

Charlie Russell Judo: Charlie has been attending Southend Judo Club for many years and is a regular at competitions despite having been turned away, on occasion, on account that his blindness "would not be fair on the other participants". Charlie has taken this in his stride and has continued to become an excellent sportsperson, with the British Judo Association choosing him for their Paralympic Development Team and helping to develop Charlie for his hopeful inclusion in the 2012 games. His coach tells us "Charlie is a great example to people who train with him, especially once they look up at him laying on their backs after Charlie has thrown them!"