George Coppen

George is 14 years old and has Achondroplasia which is the most common form of Dwarfism. Due to Spinal problems, he had metal rods inserted into his Back when he was around 6 years. This has vastly reduced his agility, as he is unable to bend his back as everyone else can. George has been involved in sport Locally, Nationally and Internationally from a very young age, even going to the 2nd World Dwarf Games in Peterbourgh, when he was just 6 months old (Mum and Dad were the competitors)! Since then he has competed in the World Games, every 4 years in Toronto, Paris and Belfast, and will be going to the next World Games which will be in the USA in 2013. Nationally George started competing in the National Games held by the Dwarf Sports Association uk (DSAuk) when he was around 3-4 years. At that age he was throwing the Tennis Ball, and Frisbee and ran 10 metres. He then progressed onto Boccia, Swimming and Table Tennis as well as the normal team sports. In the last few years he has settled on the sports he likes, so he now competes in Table Tennis, Hockey and Basketball in May each year and Boccia at the National Boccia weekend in September. Locally he has been going to the Training Sessions held in the area by the DSAuk for the last 7 years, which have included, Swimming, Badminton and Boccia. About 4 years George started to play Wheelchair Basketball, he had to go over to Newark to train and play, but a team was soon started in Derby (Derby Wheelblazers)