A team from Guernsey brought back six trophies from the Bath and West Disabled Games.
The Guernsey Sports Association for the Disabled sent 16 disabled teenagers and adults away to the annual competition. The trip was funded by charity Only Fools and Donkeys, using money raised from its Mule Bretagne cycle challenge last year, and sponsorship from Ravenscroft.
‘We are so proud of our athletes who really enjoy going away to compete and represent Guernsey. The Guernsey team worked hard against several other teams from the south of England and Wales, and really enjoyed the time at the Bath & West Show. Without the support of Only Fools and Donkeys and Ravenscroft, this would not be possible,’ said chairman of the Guernsey Sports Association for the Disabled, Christine Le Prevost.
Beth Northrop and Craig Lanyon had an outstanding games. Miss Northrop won the table tennis, ladies’ shot putt and the JJ Cup for 100 metres freestyle; she also came second in the precision javelin. Mr Lanyon won the HB Trophy for the 100 metres freestyle, as well as making it to the semi-finals for the short mat bowls. He also came second in the shot putt.
Men’s consolation singles winner was Christopher Foss and Matthew Hale won the Jack Fox trophy for the men’s air rifle. Mr Lanyon and Mark Matthews made it to the men’s ambulant doubles tennis final but lost to competitors from Yeovil.
‘We couldn’t have asked any more of the team and we are thrilled that they had such a fantastic time away. Results like this, both on and off the athletics field, makes what we do all year round so worthwhile,’ said Only Fools and Donkeys founder Ray Smart.
The Bath and West Disabled Games is open to disabled clubs from across the south of England and teams compete in a range of sporting events including table tennis, shooting, wheelchair basketball, tennis, javelin, shot put and swimming.
Only Fools and Donkeys and Ravenscroft have pledged support to The Guernsey Sports Association for the Disabled for the next three years.
‘The team did remarkably well with some outstanding personal performances. Ravenscroft is very pleased to have been able to help these athletes fly the flag for Guernsey in such an impressive way. They have set the bar high for 2016 and 2017,’ said Charlie Roger, Ravenscroft’s chief executive officer, Channel Islands.
THE TEAM
The team travelling to the Bath and West Disabled Games at the end of May were Tim Evans, Tom Lowe, John Curle, Matthew Vile, Matthew Hale, Shainee Mitchell, Beth Northrop, Philippa Rivett Carnac, David Parsons, Sophie Ellis, Sabato Folmi, Mark Matthews, Craig Lanyon, Robert Naftel, Mark Ramsey and Christopher Foss.
Travelling as helpers were Christine Le Prevost, Jeff Guilbert, Mark Haggerty and Robin and Libby Vile.
