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Junior (Under 16) Disability
Emma stars against older gymnasts
Emma Cox – Disability Gymnastic Champion
Winner, Junior (under 16) Disability Sport Category
Seven year old Emma Cox received one of the loudest cheers of the whole awards ceremony because she was not only the youngest but the smallest recipient on view – and conducted her interview on Radio Pembrokeshire with aplomb. Emma was nominated for this award because, despite her physical disability, nothing fazes her; she always works hard, has a smiling personality and is committed to gymnastics.
Early start
She has attended Haverfordwest Gym club since she was two and half years old and she simply loves gymnastics; working on apparatus, the beam, bars, floor & vault with equal enthusiasm. When she was just six years old she took part in the Rotary Schools Competition in March, entering at the highest level and winning her section - and she then went through to the finals in Cardiff and won her level there as a real bonus.
Poole success
Emma has just come back from Poole, where she took part in a GMPD (Gymnastics and Movement for People with Disabilities) British Open Competition. Despite being only seven years old, she was competing in the under 12s category, where she won first place on floor, beam and vault. Emma is a fantastic inspiration and support to the others in the club and fully deserved her award for carrying the Pembrokeshire flag with such distinction!
Kristian George – Successful Horse Rider
Finalist, Junior (under 16) Disability Sport Category
Kristian loves horses and this has been reflected in his success as a rider in competitions which seen him recognised as horse rider of the year at the Bowlings Riding Club – and he won another trophy for horse riding last year as further proof of his skills.
This year has seen him progress really well and he also won a trophy, cup and several rosettes as he has competed well in many competitions – and is family are rightly very proud of him. He is well liked at the Bowlings Riding Club and he hopes to go on an equestrian course in Dorset for the disabled and hopefully get a placement as a result of that course.
If he does it will be fitting reward for someone who has overcome his disability really well and has found his niche with horses. His love of them is clear to see and we hope that he can carry on his good work and the fulfilment he finds being involved with horses.
Marcus James – Special Olympics Gymnast
Finalist, Junior (under 16) Disability Sport Category
Marcus James is a young man who uses sport very positively to overcome many of his disabilities. He trains hard, and always wants to improve through his hard work and real commitment to his sport.
He has attended many competitions and always does really well because he gives nothing less than 100%. He has attended two Special Olympics National Games; he went to Glasgow in 2005, and recently to Leicester, where he gained one silver, four bronze, and two 4th place ribbons.
He loves competitions and enters Rotary, Schools, National Welsh Competitions & Poole Open and is well respected by the coaches because he not only tries his best but he is polite and well mannered, and always a pleasure to take away.
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