Britain’s greatest Paralympian returns home

Britain’s greatest ever Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, today joined Sport England in Disley to celebrate the important role that sports clubs play in developing sporting talent.

Sarah spent time coaching students from Disley Primary School; her own Primary School and home of her first swimming club which set her on her way to achieving 11 Paralympic gold medals.

2012 Clubs is an initiative celebrating the achievements of our Olympic and Paralympic medal winners and of the community clubs that helped develop their talent. The initiative will offer clubs support and advice from Sport England to help them to continue their good work in local communities throughout the country. A plaque marking their athlete’s success at London 2012 will also be provided, acting as a permanent reminder of their achievements.

Lisa O’Keefe Director of Sport at Sport England said: “London 2012 was an unprecedented success and something that we will never forget. It is important that we celebrate the success of our medallists and the community clubs where they have come from. Sports clubs are the heart of local communities and it is important that we give them the support they need to help them develop.”

Sarah said: “It’s fantastic to come back to where my sporting journey began and see how enthusiastic these kids are about sport. Sport should be an important part of every child’s life, be that in school, at an after-school club or a community club. Good clubs and coaches are essential, not only in developing elite athletes but in every person’s sporting experience. A good club means a lifelong commitment and enjoyment of sport and it’s great to see clubs being celebrated in this way.”

Disley Primary School Head, Heather Taylor said: “We’re really happy to have Sarah visit. Her sporting journey began here and it’s great to be able to celebrate that with her. It’s so important that children have the opportunity to try sports outside of school as well as taking part during school hours and the fact that Sarah started her journey here is a great inspiration for our pupils. ”

Sport England is committed to developing sport at the grassroots level and is investing £1billion over the next five years to achieve this. This money will help grow participation and ensuring individuals have the best sporting experience possible.