Tom Baty

My son, Tom Baty, has Downs Syndrome, and is a Special Olympics Powerlifter. This summer he will be representing his country at the World Games in Athens, and he has trained with his coach, his father, with huge enthusiasm and dedication at least twice a week for six years to reach the level he has attained. Many people have asked whether he will be taking part in the Paralympics in 2012, but we have had to explain that because his disability is intellectual rather than physical, he is not eligible for selection. It would be wonderful if he could take part in the torch run instead; to show that people with learning disabilities can take part in sport to a good level. Being part of the team would make the London 2012 Olympics a more truly inclusive event, and celebrate the fact that the Paralympics are starting to open up to this group. His father would be available to support him during the event if he is chosenAn update - Tom achieved a clean sweep of 4 Gold medals in Athens this summer - despite being ill just days beforehand.