On Saturday 12th November, as part of the Wellbeing, PSHE and Enrichment Programme, we were thrilled to have Paralympian Louise Hunt with us again. She spent time with LC2 (Year 8) students, helping them to understand the challenges of living with a disability. She also spoke about achieving success, despite the obstacles and barriers this may bring.
Louise Hunt has visited previously as the guest of honour at the Lower College Celebration of Sport and she is celebrated for her accomplishment in sport and as a Paralympian. For 10 years, Louise competed in wheelchair racing and she is still a record holder for the most wins at a London Mini Wheelchair Marathon – she competed in wheelchair tennis for over 20 years, and continues to be an inspiration to all.
Louise shared how she was born with spina bifida and has been in a wheelchair her whole life, with very little movement in her lower limbs. She fell in love with sport at just five years old and became captivated by the feeling of freedom and independence it gave her. Louise participated in many sports as a child, and when she was about 12 years old, she held a Paralympic gold medal in her hands, which was the moment she sensed that this was to be her goal.
During the session, Louise told us of the way she became successful in elite sport and how, since her retirement, she continues to work to educate and inspire others about possibility. Her powerful and uplifting message conveyed how her disability has never limited her achievements.
The whole session was really engaging and Louise rightly deserved a very warm response from the audience. One of the pupils said: “I just wanted to say that I found Louise very resilient and kind, and I loved how she challenged herself to do many different sports and never give up. I learned so many things from her and I loved the talk! Thank you so much for organising the session for us, it was great!”
Ms Woodhead, Head of Lower College & Wellbeing Co-ordinator
The photo above was taken during Louise Hunt's visit to College in 2021 for the Lower College Celebration of Sport