A PARARLYMPIC silver medallist was in Winchester recently to host an event to encourage children and adults with disabilities to take part in sport.

Lucy Shuker, who won a silver medal in wheelchair tennis at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, was at Winchester Sport and Leisure Park to host the Paralympic Personal Best event.

The annual event is run by Winchester City Council in partnership with Everyone Active, University of Winchester and Winchester Go LD and saw more than 200 children and adults take part in a range of sports across the day.

Lucy, Britain’s number one wheelchair tennis player, was at the event cheering and supporting participants throughout the day, helping to build confidence of those taking part in the event for the first time.

In 2001, Lucy had a motorbike accident which left her paralysed from the chest down. She has since gone on to represent Great Britain at four successive Paralympic Games and is a multiple Paralympic medallist.

Lucy said: “The facilities at Winchester Sport and Leisure Park are amazing. Everyone Active has created such an inclusive facility and to see so many people coming together and enjoying them was fantastic.

“It’s experiences like these that help people fall in love with sport.”

At the end of the day's activities, Lucy helped to award certificates, medals and trophies to participants at the closing ceremony alongside the Mayor of Winchester.

Alison Norman, area contract manager, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed hosting the Paralympic Personal Best event for the first time at the new Winchester Sports and Leisure Park.

“We work hard to provide more opportunities for those with additional needs to take part in physical activity and hope this event will encourage children and adults to get involved in more sports and activities in the future.”

Councillor Angela Clear, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, said: “Paralympic Personal Best at Winchester Sport and Leisure Park was a triumph of an event!

“It was inspirational to watch hundreds of participants joining in, challenging themselves and having fun.”