GB wheelchair rugby star shares memories of Paris Paralympics with Newbury school
A Paralympian who inspired the next generation of athletes earlier this year, has returned to the Newbury school to share his experiences of Paris 2024.
Aaron Phipps was part of the GB wheelchair rugby team that narrowly missed out on a medal in Paris this summer.
He spent the day chatting to pupils at Robert Sandilands School after asking to revisit them to share his experience after this year’s Paralympic Games, as Paris 24 had been “so special” for him.
He stressed the importance of making positive choices and taking small steps towards a goal.
“It was important for Aaron to revisit our school and share his Paris 2024 experience as he embodies resilience, motivation and perseverance - these are qualities that align with our school values,” said Eve Burke, the school’s PE coordinator.
“We sent Aaron good luck messages prior to the Paralympics and Aaron has sent messages to the school prior to our sport events in order to inspire the pupils to do their best.
“He is very inspirational.”
Pupils described him as “the best!” and one said: “I found Aaron very inspiring and I would like to try different sports like he has.”
Headteacher, Libby Bucknell, added: “It was lovely to welcome Aaron back to school.
“The children were keen to learn more about his time at the Paris Olympics and were reminded how important it is to keep trying and persevere; it was very special visit.”
Back in February Mr Phipps visited the school for a day, inspiring the pupils with his tales of perseverance and courage.
He had also been a member of the GB wheelchair rugby squad that won the country’s first Paralympic team gold in Tokyo 2020.
Mr Phipps was just 15 when, in 1999, he contracted meningitis C. It developed into meningococcal sepsis and both his legs had to be amputated below the knee, along with most of his fingers.
But he has never let it hold him back and in 2016 he became the first disabled person to scale Mount Kilimanjaro unassisted.
He has also raised more than £250k for charities and was appointed an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours.
