Elizabeth aims for 2016 games (From Cotswold Journal)

Elizabeth aims for 2016 games

9:50am Sunday 20th May 2012 in Other Sport

TALENTED athlete Elizabeth Grinnell has her sights set on competing at the Paralympics in 2016 after being one of the first to star at London’s Olympic Stadium.

The Evesham-based 17-yearold, who has cerebral palsy, scooped gold medals in both the seated shot and discus at the UK School Games, held in the capital last week.

She threw 4.63-metres in the shot, beating her previous personal best by 30cms, and 9.57m in the discus, adding four metres to her personal best.

Her efforts are even more remarkable given that she has been battling a heart problem since birth and is due to undergo surgery later this year.

“For me to be at London and get medals, I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” Elizabeth said. “It was incredible, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It was lovely knowing I had competed in the stadium where Jessica Ennis and Usain Bolt will compete.”

Elizabeth, a pupil at Evesham High School, also claimed golds in her events at the 2010 UK School Games, missing last year because of her health, and is striving to be involved in Rio in 2016.

She has been been doing athletics for five years and in that time has won 25 gold medals, four silvers and achieved seven national records.

Meanwhile, momentum has been gathering ahead of the inaugural Worcestershire School Games on June 19.

Vale pupils who have secured their places include Evesham High’s year nine basketball team and Simon De Montfort Middle’s year seven netball players.

Bengeworth First triumphed in south Worcestershire’s level two school games mini-tennis festival, fending off second-placed Offenham and bronze medalists Sedgeberrow.

The event at Pershore Tennis Centre was supported by young leaders from across the district.

South Worcestershire held their level two football tournament for year four girls at Evesham High.

St Andrew’s First School reigned supreme in the roundrobin competition against Broadway and Badsey to bag a place at the county school games.

Bretforton First pupil Adrienne Halliwell was chosen to create an oath for the games and Sarah Parker, of Pershore High, won the contest to create a flag.

More than 220 young people from south Worcestershire will attend the games at Bromsgrove School. There are still places being contested in the rowing, rounders, tri-golf, boccia and new age kurling.