Olympic champion Jonathan Edwards visits York St John
Jonathan Edwards CBE, Deputy Chair of the
Nations and Regions Group of the London Organising Committee of the
Olympic and Paralympic Games, took part in an inspirational day on
Wednesday 22 September to promote and support sport and business in
the region.
Inspired by London 2012, the event was
designed to challenge attitudes to disability and explore how
having a disability can be overcome in business, sport and
culture.
Jonathan, who was Olympic Triple Jump champion
at the Sydney 2000 Games and has held the world record for the
event since 1995, was joined at today’s event by the Chairman of
Paralympic GB, Tim Reddish OBE.
The theme of disability in business was
highlighted in a conference at York St John Business School, with
presentations from Deloitte, Job Centre Plus and Alan Rayment,
Coach and Ambassador for Triathlon England Disabled Athletes.
Jonathan and Tim took part in a Q & A session with delegates,
and then met York St John staff and students to take part in taster
sessions of disability sports, including boccia, wheelchair
basketball and goalball run by the University.
Guests at the event also had the opportunity
to view a number of projects designed to challenge the perception
of disability through the arts. Performances were held by Out of
Character, a theatre company developed out of courses held for
mental health service users, in an innovative collaboration between
York St John University and North Yorkshire and York Community and
the Mental Health Service providers. A short singing and signing
workshop was also given by Hands & Voices Choir, the first ever
singing and signing choir.
The visit was organised by Yorkshire Gold, the
region’s delivery partner for London 2012, to make the most of the
benefits of the London 2012 Games.
For further information please contact Amy Hall, PR
& Communications Officer on T: 01904 876466 or E: a.hall@yorksj.ac.uk