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Paralympian Sophie Christiansen starts her quest for gold today

By Jonathan Low
August 30, 2012

Ascot equestrian rider Sophie Christiansen starts her quest for Paralympic gold today at Greenwich Park.

The 24-year-old former Charters School pupil, who won two golds and one silver at the Games in 2008, begins in the team test grade lb category at 2.15pm.

Paralympian Sophie Christiansen going for gold

Sophie, who has cerebral palsy, competes in the individual championship test grade 1a competition on Sunday afternoon at 4.15pm, before concluding in the individual freestyle test grade 1a next Tuesday afternoon at 4pm.

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In a field of Sport where many feel obliged to applaud the 'disability' instead of the incredible talent of those at the top of their game, I stand in awe of sportsmen and women such as Sophie.In a world where many young people with intellectual and developmental challenges (I hesitate to call this a disability) are still directed towards day centres and segregated FE courses. Transition planning does not always include serious consideration of a variety of opportunities, such as employment and inclusive further education. Although this omission may reflect a lack of knowledge about such options among those advising young people, it is clear that a low level of expectation about their abilities is still apparent amongst many sectors of our community. My hope is that the Paralympics will serve as a catalyst to provide growing awareness of the need to improve practice in supporting young people into adulthood.