Paralympian inspires next generation to take up sport

Wheelchair tennis champion Andy Lapthorne encouraged young patients with disabilities to follow their dreams at a sports day packed with inclusive sports.

15 children and young people attended the fun-filled day at Brixton Recreation Centre. Funded by Evelina London Children’s Charity and hosted by Evelina London’s community paediatric physiotherapy team, the event encourages patients aged 5 to 17 to try new sports, which supports their fitness and strength, whilst building their confidence.

Alongside trialling sports such as tennis, cricket, and yoga, British wheelchair tennis player Andy inspired the young patients to pursue their passion. The 17-time grand slam winner, who has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user, said: “When you grow up with a disability, it is so important to have events like this, to show children and young people what is possible, and how inclusive sports can be.”

Andy most recently competed in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, taking home a silver medal, which the young sports enthusiasts got to wear. He said: “I didn’t have many role models growing up with a disability, or who looked like me, so I want to show them what is possible and to follow their dreams, whatever they may be.”

6-year-old twins Jackson and Harrison Coventry, who are both Evelina London patients, attended the sports day for the first time. Jackson, who has cerebral palsy following a stroke at birth, loved trying out his cricket skills and wearing Andy’s Paralympic medal. Their mum, Emma, shared how this was the first time they have had all the information about accessible sports, and how to get into them, in one place. 

Emma, who lives in Clapham Common, said: “The day is absolutely brilliant. It is inspirational for the children to see that you can be different, and thrive.

“It is also amazing to share the benefits of sports, not just physical activity but all the other benefits that come with being in a team, making friends, building confidence, and challenging yourself.”

The taster sessions were provided by host teams who run disability-inclusive sports for children, including Surrey Cricket Foundation.

Jon Gale, batsman for the England learning disabilities cricket team and Surrey County Cricket Club’s Pan-disability team, said: “Days like this are so important because disability sport is underrepresented in communities, so it’s fantastic that all the children and young people here today can try different sports and see that they can do it.”

Evelina London’s community paediatric physiotherapy team give specialist assessment, advice and treatment for babies, children, and young people across Lambeth and Southwark. They support with a range of areas including mobility and motor support, along with helping with access to play, sports, and learning.

Liz Steele, paediatric physiotherapist and event lead, said “This year marks the 10th anniversary of our annual sports day. For the first time, we hosted the event in the heart of the community, at Brixton Recreation Centre, with the hope that our patients will be inspired to get involved in a local inclusion sport, and exercise for life.”

Barbara Kasumu, Executive Director of Evelina London Children’s Charity, said: “We are proud to fund this inclusive sports day which has become a key event in the calendar for families across Lambeth and Southwark. We support the incredible care at Evelina London to help children and young people to reach their full potential.”

Visit Access Sport and Surrey Cricket Foundation for more information about disability inclusive sports across London and the surrounding counties.