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Team GB star pays visit

Paralympics hopeful Steve Brown with the Halfway Houses Primary School winning cross country team
Paralympics hopeful Steve Brown with the Halfway Houses Primary School winning cross country team

Steve Brown is still waiting to find if he is going to be part of Great Britain’s wheelchair rugby team when they compete at this year’s Paralympic games.

But even if he is not selected, he will know first hand what the facilities will be like for his team-mates.

That’s because he’s one of several players from the squad who have been chosen to take part in the test events at the Olympic Village next month.

On April 17 and 18, they will use the basketball arena to play friendly games against Australia, Canada and Sweden.

They will also stay overnight in accommodation available on site and get the chance to use the bus service which will ferry people around during the games.

The 30-year-old, who is captain of the GB team, said: “They want to make sure it all runs smoothly and that the courts and changing rooms are all right.

Olympic flag
Olympic flag

“Then if there are any problems they’ve still got the chance to change things around.

“I’ve seen pictures and I’ve seen plans but this will be the first time I will have seen the facilities.

“I’m excited about it and I can’t wait to get there.”

Last week, Steve visited his former school, Halfway Houses primary in Southdown Road, Halfway, to speak to pupils.

He shared his memories of his time there with the children.

He gave a power point presentation about his life and presented medals to the school’s cross country team, who recently won an Island-wide competition.

Head teacher Ryan Driver said: “His speech was very much concerning team work, going for your dreams and adversity.

“We are very proud to have an ex-pupil as a Paralympic captain.”


Wheelchair rugby player Steve Brown from Sittingbourne
Wheelchair rugby player Steve Brown from Sittingbourne

The former Minster resident got into wheelchair rugby when he lost the use of his lower body after a fall from a balcony in 2005.

Although the line-up for the GB team is not expected to be announced until May or June, Steve is hopeful he’ll be chosen.

He said: “Everything is going well at the moment.

“I know I’m training hard and doing everything I should be, I cannot do anything more than I have been doing so I think I’ve got a good chance of being chosen.

“Everyone is training day in day out to be the best they can be, no one wants to miss that bus. To not actually make the cut, it’s going to be hard.

“There are more people in the squad than players and as much as I don’t want to be one of those who doesn’t make it I know I if I don’t I will wish the team all the best.

“We are as thick as thieves and we all just want the best for the sport as well as ourselves.”

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