Guest blog

I'm looking forward to the 2011 season
25/01/2011

I thought I'd send you an update on what I've been doing since I received the Papworth Trust paralympic grant.

Teenager Michael Pope was granted one of Papworth Trust's first paralympic grants in October.

Here are my achievements:

  • I was selected for the 5-day Paralympic GB Paralympics Potentials Training Camp in Bath.
  • I was selected for the UK School Games London Team, Gateshead. I won Shot put: gold medal, Discus: silver medal and a new PB. The London Team were the winners too.
  • My last competition of the season was the CP National Athletic Championships, Nottingham - Shot put: silver medal.
  • I got the Gold Award Young Ambassador for 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I've also just won the Junior Thrower of the Year trophy at my club, Watford Harriers.

I'm now into winter training and train 5 or 6 times a week. I go to Lee Valley every Sunday morning with my coach and as I'm on the Herts Talented Athlete Programme (HTAP) try to get to the gym at the Herts Sports Village for Strength and Conditioning at least once a week but sometimes I have to put school work first as I'm doing GCSEs this year. I train with my coach at Watford Harriers twice a week and at another Throwing club once a week. Also I've been selected for Parallel Success Talent Training Camps in Leeds over the winter.

I think I've improved my fitness and stamina and I'm looking forward to the 2011 season.

Thank you for your support.

From
Michael Pope

The grants scheme is still accepting applications. Please download the application form to apply.