Shola Ameobi puts smiles on faces of disabled…

Shola Ameobi puts smiles on faces of disabled youngsters as they compete in inspiring Newcastle triathlon

Newcastle United cult hero Shola Ameobi cheered on youngsters as they competed in a triathlon for people with disabilities.

The former striker came along to the David Lloyd Health Club in Heaton, Newcastle, to support North East children competing in the annual Reason To Disability Triathlon. The event, which took place on Sunday, July 10, gives participants the opportunity to take part in the sports they love.

Now in its seventh year, the triathlon, sponsored by SOS Group, has also become popular with adults with disabilities. This year's triathlon saw 39 people, aged from eight to 29, take part in the swimming, cycling and running event.

Shola Ameobi has been a long-time supporter of the Reason To Disability Triathlon and was on hand to present the medals and congratulate the participants.

Shola, 40, said: “I think this is my fifth or sixth disability triathlon. It’s just amazing to see the amount of effort that goes into putting it together.

Shola Ameobi with Isabella Souter from Chapel Park, Newcastle. (Longstone PR)

“It’s a great opportunity for kids and adults with disabilities to really enjoy working out, to enjoy the camaraderie and enjoy being part of something together. It’s really important that they continue to have this opportunity to celebrate and compete, regardless of what challenges they face, and we can all come together and enjoy being part of it.”

The families of youngsters taking part in the event said it gave their children the chance to participate in something that’s accessible to them.

Elijah Parsons, 13, has spina bifida and loves taking part in the competition. The Benfield School pupil from Newcastle said: “I think I’ve been doing this triathlon since I was about 10. For me, the swimming part is the best because I like being in the water and the cycling is probably the most challenging.

“I’ve got a special handbike that attaches to this wheelchair and is powered by my hands. Going up the hills today in the heat was really hard.”

Elijah’s mum, Jo Parsons, loved watching her son compete in something that is accessible to him.

Jo says: “This event is a chance for Elijah to feel he’s good at something because he’s at a disadvantage a lot of the time. He can see other people with disabilities and how they vary and change so that exposure is really good for him.

“Events like this are few and far between and it’s really hard to find stuff that’s adaptive and inclusive where Elijah is able to participate as a challenger rather than a concession and that’s really important. We find it really difficult to find things to keep him active and have to travel quite far to find sports clubs.

"There’s nothing really in the North East that encourages Elijah to swim or run or do racing or cycling, so it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to excel and do his best and really challenge himself.”

READ NEXT:

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here