Joe O'Shea , whose condition as a haemophiliac prevents him from playing traditional contact sports, has won an award for his participation in a sports development project developed by Cheltenham Borough Council.
Last summer the council organised after school Olympic themed clubs, funded by Sportivate, the Lottery-funded legacy project set up to inspire young people after London 2012. Joe’s school, All Saints Academy in Hesters Way, was one of three secondary schools for whom water polo coaching was arranged between Cheltenham Borough Council’s sports development team and the Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Club. The Cheltenham sports development team were so impressed with Joe’s commitment and development during the coaching sessions that they nominated him as ‘Participant of the year’ at a regional level.
Now Joe has won the award he goes on to be nominated for the national awards by Sport England.
Tom Sparks, sports development officer, said: “We’re delighted that Joe has been recognised as Sportivate Participant of the Year for Gloucestershire. He benefited hugely from taking part in the coaching and gained a lot of confidence in a new sport. Joe's school have also highlighted the progress he has made since taking part in the coaching project...to now be entered into the national awards is remarkable.” Councillor Rowena Hay, cabinet member for sport and culture, added: “The sports development team do an excellent job at delivering a range of activities to young people across Cheltenham...it’s great that Joe has won an award, we wish him well in the finals.”
