aside their disabilities

THREE young Skyrac Athletic Club members cast aside their disabilities to bring home a clutch of medals from the Pan Disability Games in Sheffield.

The Skyrac athletes with learning disabiliteis competed against athletes from all sections of the British Paralympic Association for Disabilities.

Thomas Poulton-White, who has made a big name fore himself in main stream athletics as well as those for athletes with disabilities, came home with three silver medals from the 100 metres, 200 metres and long jump. On each occasion he was only beaten to the gold medal by the world record holder Nigel Bourne.

Thomas is bidding to gain selection for the Paralympics in Sydney.

In the high jump Shanelle Smith took the gold medal setting a new national record of 1.40 metres beating her clubmate Heather Sayers, the former national record holder, who also bropke the old record with 1.35 metres. This was a fine comeback for Heather after suffering a broken leg in an accident when she was knocked down on her return from the World Championships in Seville.

On the second day of competition Shanelle took gold in the 200 metres setting a new personal best of 28.02 which was only 3/10 of a second outside the world record.

Shanelle and Thomas are looking forward to representing Skyrac in main stream athletics, Thomas in the Northen Men's League where he is a regular competitor and one of the club's highest points scorers, and Shanelle in the senior ladies team in Division One North.

All three athletes are coached by Otley's Gordon Agar who has done so much for disabled athletes in the county. He is one of those responsible for organising the National Championships for those with disabilities which will be held at Don Valley Stadium on June 24. Athletes will be vying for places at the world indoor championships in Portugal next February and the world outdoor championships in Moscow in June 2001. Gordon is seeking sponsorship for the disabled athletes and anyone interested in helping can contact him on 01943 466320.

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