WAVERLEY Para Games was extended this year to enable students with special educational needs from across Surrey to rise to the annual sporting challenge.

Rebranded Surrey Para Games for 2017, the event was conceived by South West Surrey MP Jeremy following his involvement in the London 2012 Olympics. It was inspired by the Paralympians’ achievements, but with a particular focus on increasing provision of inclusive sport for youngsters in his constituency.

Mr Hunt led this year’s event at Charterhouse Club, Godalming, in a continued partnership with Active Surrey, and the July 7 event saw more than 130 youngsters aged 11 to 14 compete in a wide range of sports.

Also supporting the event was games ambassador Farnham Paralympian, Rachel Morris MBE, together with sponsors COINS and DFN, county, borough and town councillors and the club’s commercial director Tim Ostle

Recalling how the event has developed over the years, Mr Hunt said: “I set up the Waverley Para Games in 2013 after that glorious afternoon when the Olympic Torch came through Godalming and we all wanted to bottle up the magic and keep it.

“The Waverley Para Games then became our South West Surrey Olympic legacy, with strong support from Rachel Morris, our local paralympic hero. It is based on the fundamental belief that everyone should have the right to make the most of their lives.”

Rachel gave a motivational speech, urging those with disabilities to “go out today and think of a challenge, talk to your best friend and say I’m going to do this, whether it’s one step further, one jump more or just being a little stronger. You will be able to go away and say I’ve achieved something.

“This event allows these kids to realise you can achieve things. Just because I’m in a chair, it doesn’t mean I can’t do something. Not everyone with a disability is going to go to the para olympics and win a gold medial, but everyone will take home a gold medal from their achievements today.

“It’s about giving the kids opportunities that everyone else has. I want it to develop, so it’s not just a one day a year event. I want it to develop to enable children to have access to sporting clubs just like everyone else.”

David Forbes-Nixon from the DFN Foundation, whose son attends Stepping Stones School for children with special needs in Haslemere, said: “The DFN Foundation and COINS Foundation are delighted to continue supporting this event. It is becoming a firm fixture in the sporting calendar for Surrey schools and the enjoyment of the participants is evident. It was great to be able to expand the range of sports this year and utilise the amazing outdoor space.”