Callum Doherty, who plays for local wheelchair basketball club, The Vikings, helped England North to win gold at the 2017 School Games at the weekend.
The School Games are an integrated multi-sport event for the UK’s most talented school-age athletes, with around 1,600 athletes competing across 12 sports, seven of which included disability disciplines.
Jane Doherty, Callum’s mum said “We are absolutely thrilled with England North winning gold. Since the age of 8 Callum has put in nothing but hard work and determination whenever he plays or trains for club or region.”
“He has had both highs and lows in all competitions but we have witnessed him turning into a great player with a great attitude. Last year, they got bronze so to win gold this year against England Central, who have dominated all competitions for a few years, is a tremendous achievement.”
“Callum had an excellent tournament and proved to be a vital player to England North. The whole family is tremendously proud of him.”
Previous competitors at the School Games include Paralympic champions Hannah Cockroft, Ellie Simmonds and Jonnie Peacock, Olympic champion Adam Peaty, and GB sprinters Adam Gemili and Dina Asher-Smith.
The School Games are the springboard for future athletes with 56 of the 382 athletes representing Team GB at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio having competed at the School Games.
The four-day event is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust.
Vikings Coach Sue Peel said “Callum Doherty was an integral part of winning the gold with the England North team.”
“He was given the nickname Rottweiler by coach Kev for his hard work on the court. He has come a long way with a very bright future ahead of him.”
Vikings
The Vikings celebrate 10 years of playing at Lansbury Bridge School this month. Now they are playing in the top tier of Wheelchair Basketball they are always looking to raise funds to help pay for special wheelchairs and travel costs to games. If you know of a business that would like to sponsor them or you would like to donate personally, please get in touch with them via the links below.
https://www.facebook.com/VikingsWBC/
Tweets by VikingsWBC
http://www.vikingswbc.co.uk/
England North players Lucas Warburton and Tom Barnes discuss the tournament and their futures, having tasted success in their third attempt.
