Olympic and Paralympic double for Laffletics in Sleaford

By Sara Ginty on June 21st, 2012 - comments

The Laffletics Adapted Sports Club based in Sleaford is very proud to announce that it has achieved an Olympic and Paralympic double!

Over the last few months, nominations have taken place for Olympic and Paralympic torchbearers.  As the whole of the country is aware, the Olympic Torch Relay is currently taking place and the Paralympic Torch Relay will start in August.

And Club coach Paul McCarthy will be more than a spectator having been selected by Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partner Lloyds TSB to carry the Flame through Wrangle on Day 40, Wednesday 27th June.

The double has now been completed by Thelma Smith, secretary of the Club, who has been selected to carry the Paralympic torch  after being nominated through her local Sainsbury’s store, in a nationwide nomination process.

Paul is a UK Athletics Level II qualified coach, having taken the qualification specifically to coach at the Laffletics Club and was nominated for his fundraising for a range of charities, which he has done through completing marathons, half marathons and most recently the Great North Run. His work with Laffletics, coaching disabled and able-bodied people in Sleaford, ensuring the youngsters are all able to participate and adjusting training sessions to be suitable for all attendees.

Thelma has been involved with the Laffletics Club since its inception in 2004, where the club started on a trial basis.  Thelma will be carrying the Paralympic torch as part of the 24 hour relay from Stoke Mandeville to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games and is one of only 620 Torchbearers.

Lloyds TSBbecame the first National Partner for the London 2012 Games in 2007 and have supported and funded 1,000 emerging athletes and future stars of Team GB and ParalympicsGB on their journey to London 2012 and beyond through their Local Heroes programme, in partnership with SportsAid.

Paul is extremely excited and proud to have been selected byLloyds TSBfor this honour.

Sainsbury’s is the first ever Paralympic Games-only sponsor.  They are committed to making London 2012 the best Paralympic Games ever, making a lasting difference to attitudes towards disability in theUKand creating real opportunities for change in the lives of people with disabilities.

Thelma is also very excited and proud to have been selected by Sainsbury’s and is fully deserving of this honour.