North Swindon MP, and Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson celebrated Team GB’s Paralympic success by meeting wheelchair fencer Piers Gilliver – who returned from Tokyo with three medals.
Piers put in an impressive performance in Tokyo, winning a full house of medals – gold, silver and bronze, contributing to the 9 medals won between GB’s three-man wheelchair fencing team.
Justin met Piers as part of a visit to the University of Bath’s sports village, where the wheelchair fencing team train. As well as speaking to Piers and hearing about what it takes to be a successful Paralympian, how he manages the pressure and what motivates him, Justin also had the opportunity to watch Piers spar with his coach Peter Rome.
The visit also allowed Justin to highlight the Government’s £100 million investment made available to support disabled athletes and help disabled people get active. This money has a combination of uses – firstly, to support the development of elite disabled athletes, to support local clubs and groups and share best practice; and secondly, to increase confidence in talent spotting and development. Piers is a fantastic example of how important local clubs and organisations are in spotting and producing talented disabled athletes, as Piers began his fencing career at local fencing club Bath Sword Club.
In addition to the £100 million, the UK Government recently announced an increase in for Paralympic sports through UK Sport funding to £61.8 million for the next Paralympic Games, and Sport England will this year invest £40 million into a Tackling Inequalities Fund, which includes a specific focus on disabled people.
Justin said: “It was fantastic to meet Piers and hear about his amazing fencing career. Watching the demonstration was incredibly interesting, seeing the speed, agility and strength required was impressive. As Minister for Disabled People, I am delighted that the Government continues to invest in disabled sport, and is giving local clubs the resources and confidence to help talent spot future Paralympians.”
