Jak Powles

8th June 2005 Jak (15) plays for Brynteg Comprehensive rugby team, & is a squad member for Wales u-16 Rugby League team. He cycles to school to sit GCSE English exam. He falls off his bike, collides with a car & is rushed to UHW Cardiff. His parents are told that he may never walk or talk. Jak remains in hospital for 4½ months & has numerous operations. FASTERHIGHERSTRONGER November 2005 Jak returns to school & starts AS Levels. He starts going to the gym. September 2007- June 2010 Jak achieves NVQ Level 2 in Sport & Recreation November 2010 Jak & his guide dog Vance have 4 weeks intensive training & they soon become a team. 2011 Jak (21) volunteers at a community gym. He is invited to local schools to demonstrate how he & Vance work together. He is an excellent communicator & has impressed the teachers with the way in which the pupils respond to him. Jak still has many issues to deal with. He has made an Olympian effort to improve the mobility on his left side (especially his left hand) & continues to maintain his fitness regime. He tried cycling but his first love is rugby & although he is unable to return to playing he supports Bridgend RFC. Jak remains hopeful that he will regain his sight.. Jak deserves to be considered for the Olympic Torch Relay as he has demonstrated immeasureable courage & determination to overcome the injuries he suffered. He has maintained a positive attitude & has never given up. FASTER HIGHER STRONGER