Terry Parker

Terry is an incredible individual who has dedicated 13 years to giving disabled adults and children in Gloucestershire the opportunity to play tennis. These disabilities range between mild learning difficulties including autism and Asperger's Syndrome, to severe mental and physical problems, and in a good many cases both. He currently teaches tennis to children at 4 special schools in Gloucestershire on a weekly basis and runs an after-school club for SEN children at Oxstalls Tennis Centre, Gloucester. Most of the work Terry does is free of charge, including coaching junior and adult wheelchair tennis players to competition standard, where he currently has a British Champion. Terry is an inspiration to everyone he meets and his enthusiasm for tennis has opened the door to so many. He has made me realise that I am able to play and enjoy sport again, and that having a disability is not a barrier. I cannot think of anyone who deserves to carry the Olympic flame and have their moment to shine more than Terry.