Chris Holmes, originally from the West Midlands, is one of the UK’s most successful Paralympians, winning nine gold, five silver and one bronze medal at Paralympic Games from 1988 to 2000. His visit kick started his two week tour of the UK to mark and celebrate two years to go until the London 2012 Paralympic Games and encourage people, particularly those with a disability, to apply to the London 2012 Games Maker volunteer programme by showcasing sporting facilities designed for athletes with disabilities and Paralympic sporting endeavours across the UK.
Chris Holmes joined the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games at the World Blind Football Championships in Hereford to support this direct pre-qualifier to the Paralympic Games and the biggest disability football event ever to be held in the UK. Chris toured the excellent facilities at thePoint4 in Hereford and participated in a Blind Football coaching session with young people from the area.
During the visit Chris met Paralympic hopefuls Glenn Scott and Charlotte Fisher from Worcestershire and Herefordshire’s Alison Moore. Chris also met some of the 85 event volunteers, the majority of whom are from the local area, some with disabilities, whose time and energy enable events like the Football Championships to take place.
Chris Holmes, Director of Paralympic Integration said: “On 29 August it will be exactly two years to go until the start of the 2012 Paralympic Games and we want everyone to start planning their once in a lifetime experience. We are well on track – the venues are nearing completion, our operational plans for the Paralympic Games are coming together and our athletes are training hard to qualify. Not it’s the people of the West Midlands’ turn. How will you spend the summer of 2012? Whether it’s buying a ticket, becoming a volunteer, being part of our education or culture programmes – there are hundreds of ways to get involved. Don’t wait – to ensure you don’t miss out, start planning your Games now.”
David Moorcroft, Chair of the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games said: “Great venues, such as ThePoint4, in addition to dedicated volunteers help create great athletes, like Chris himself and the other Paralympians who joined us at the Football Championships. With almost two years to go to the start of the Paralympic Games we are delighted to welcome Chris to the West Midlands and, through the IBSA World Blind Football Championships, demonstrate the region’s ability to deliver major events like on this scale.”
Chris and guests to thePoint4 will also experience Focus Here, a Hereford Photography Festival commissioned in partnership with the Royal National College for the Blind (RNCB). It has been awarded the Inspire Mark recognising innovative and exceptional projects directly inspired by London 2012 and is an exhibition that challenges stereotypes and celebrates the English B1 Football Team and Hereford’s 2010 Blind World Cup Championship.
To find out more about the events, activities and opportunities to get involved with London 2012 in the West Midlands visit www.wmfor2012.com.