Paralympic athlete inspires students with visit to Surrey school
Pupils at Cordwalles Junior School in Camberley have been inspired by a visit from one of Team GB’s most successful Paralympic athletes, tennis player Louise Hunt Skelley.
Louise made her Paralympic debut at London 2012, competing in the women’s wheelchair tennis singles competition, and competed in Rio in 2016. She is also a sports commentator and author.
She spoke openly and honestly about her childhood, sharing the challenges she faced, having been born with Spina Bifida, and how she discovered her passion for sport.
The children were captivated as she described her path to becoming a Paralympic athlete, the dedication and perseverance required, and the incredible accomplishments she's achieved along the way.
She also ran a fun skills session with the children who have been enjoying lunchtime tennis coaching this term.
Matthew in year 6 said: “It was really great to meet Louise, she has inspired me to join a local lawn tennis club this summer.”
Abi Moore, Headteacher, Cordwalles Junior School, said: “Louise’s sporting success is a powerful reminder that with determination, self-belief, and hard work, we can overcome obstacles and reach for our dreams. The children asked thoughtful questions and were visibly moved by her story. We're incredibly grateful to the Tim Henman Foundation for arranging this wonderful visit, and to Louise herself for taking the time to share her experiences with us and for being such a positive role model for our young people.”
Louise Hunt Skelley, Paralympic Tennis Player, Commentator and Author, said: “My visit to Cordwalles was wonderful. The students were so friendly, polite, thoughtful, and full of great questions. It’s clear that everyone there genuinely cares about their students and is committed to giving them a wide range of opportunities to grow and succeed.”