Rhys Jones

When Rhys Jones was two, he developed encephalitis which left him with paralysis on the left side of his body and problems with his sight. He would often spend time at home following school and not want to go anywhere, especially on his own. However, since starting playing football with RCT Tigers Disability Football Club in 2008, the 18-year-old has â??developed into a young man capable of influencing so many peopleâ??, said his nominator, Gerwyn Owen, Disability Sport Wales Academy Manager. Owen went on to state â??He was identified to have a real talent in running, and we invited him for trials to the Academy Athletics. Instantly the coaches saw he had great potential and over the next couple of years competed regionally, nationally and internationally for Wales. He has won medals at the UK School Games, British Open and IPC (International Paralympic Committee) events in Holland and Belgium. His progression is on an upward curve, and recently (October 2011) has been invited onto the World Class Performance Programme with UK Athletics as a Development Athlete, this is in recognition of his talent and his potential to win medals in the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, with an outside chance of making the selection for London 2012. He is a volunteer coach with the club and also sits on the local authorityâ??s Community Chest panel, helping to make decisions on funding for local clubs and sessions. He also gained funding to deliver three Disability Inclusion Training Courses for 60 people who will be deployed into local schools and clubs. Rhys, of Clydach Vale, was selected as one of only four RCT Gold Young Ambassadors as a result of his sporting achievements, and because he is always trying to encourage other young people to participate in physical activity through sharing personal experiences with them. â??Being a Young Ambassador has had an immense impact on Rhys,â?? Owen added. â??He is now more independent and has made some amazing friends. This is something most people take for granted, but his sight had preve