Sporting superstar visits Treloar's

Paralympic superstar Chris Holmes MBE has welcomed Treloar’s to the Get Set network for London 2012.

The official London 2012 education programme for schools and colleges across the country, Get Set members show they are integrating Olympic and Paralympic values including courage, determination, respect and excellence into their whole school development planning and ethos.

Chris said it was a “great pleasure” to visit Treloar’s, as he took to the podium in the new hall at the Holybourne campus to address the crowd of assembled students.

He was introduced by former Treloar’s principal, Graham Jowett, who said: “Treloar’s has a fine tradition of paralympic sport, having produced champions in boccia and athletics as well as others. Chris has had a fantastic career in disability sport and we are thrilled to have him here to inspire and motivate us for the future.”

Chris, who was a member of the Great Britain swimming team for 17 years, competed in four paralympic games, and he shared his story with the students.

He said: “I lost my sight at 14 years old, literally overnight. I had three dreams in life, to take my A-levels, go to Cambridge University and to compete for Great Britain in sport.”

Despite losing his sight it was only a matter of time before he was back in the swimming pool and training harder than ever.

He spoke of his journey through training and competing in contests against some fierce opposition. His witty remarks and humorous approach kept the students rapturously entertained as they shared the trials and tribulations of his career with him and, more importantly, his successes.

Chris urged students to make the most of the proximity to the Paralympic games and share in the atmosphere, and finished by inspiring the students further by adding: “Think about what you want to achieve today, tomorrow and in the rest of your life, and set a plan for making it happen.”

The Treloar’s swim squad was then introduced to Chris, who chatted to coach Dionne de-Botte and the students about the facilities at Treloar’s and how much they enjoyed taking part in the sport.

He was then treated to a Boccia demonstration by current students and former Treloar College student and Paralympic gold medallist, David Smith. GB Boccia coach, Barry Bowden, led the session, before Chris himself took a turn in the Boccia seat.

Sue Slight, Specialism Co-ordinator for Treloar’s, organised the visit and commented: “We were delighted to welcome such a celebrated sportsman to Treloar’s. Chris, a world-record breaking Paralympic swimmer and Director of Paralympic Integration for LOCOG, is the perfect role model for our students and we would like to thank him for coming to Treloar’s and presenting us with the Get Set plaque.”