Olympic gold medallist Tessa Sanderson was the guest of honour at a family fun day in Telford which attracted more than 200 disabled children and their families.
Ican2, a free event organised by Telford & Wrekin Council’s disabled children’s team, was held at Telford International Centre last Saturday.
It was aimed at inspiring the next generation of disabled athletes and people with additional needs.
Tessa, who won gold in the javelin at the Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984, was on hand to work with children, young people and adults throughout the day.
She said: “I was delighted to be asked to attend the Ican2. For me, this whole event is about demonstrating the opportunities that are out there and the broad range of activities that children can take part in.”
Shropshire sporting star Debbie Brennan, who hails from Telford and was educated at the Lord Silkin School in Stirchley, was also at Ican2 and closed the event.
Debbie, who has cerebral palsy, won four medals, including a gold, at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 paralympics. The day featured activity tasters, information and offers, including wheelchair sports, a climbing wall, the Kreative Kidz arts workshop, cricket, bikes, wii and face painting.
Russell Griffin, council spokesman, said: “The children and young people’s team were expecting 150 children so were really pleased with the turn-out.
“It was a fantastic event and everything went according to plan.”
Families attending the day went away with prizes from a free prize draw including tickets for Oakengates Theatre, the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Play Pit Pirate Adventure tickets and a 19 inch colour TV and DVD player.
