Wednesday, 19 September 2012

George and his torch


On Tuesday 18th September, local torch bearer George brought his Olympic torch to show the pupils and staff. George, a GCSE pupil at John Port, carried the torch through Derby on 29th June after being nominated by the school. Archie's cousin, George is 14 years old and has Achondroplasia which is the most common form of Dwarfism. Due to Spinal problems, he had metal rods inserted into his back when he was around 6 years. This has vastly reduced his agility, as he is unable to bend his back as everyone else can. George has been involved in sport Locally, Nationally and Internationally from a very young age, including competing in the World Games, every 4 years in Toronto, Paris and Belfast, He will be going to the next World Games which will be in the USA in 2013. Nationally, George started competing in the National Games held by the Dwarf Sports Association uk (DSAuk) when he was around 3-4 years. At that age he was throwing the Tennis Ball, and Frisbee and ran 10 metres. He then progressed onto Boccia, Swimming and Table Tennis as well as the normal team sports. In the last few years he has settled on the sports he likes, so he now competes in Table Tennis, Hockey and Basketball. George was kind enough to let all the children in school have a hold of his torch, so from all at Silverhill... Thank you George and good luck in your next competitions.