Sport has always been seen as an effective way to encourage leadership, communication, friendship and confidence. The success of last year’s Olympics and Paralympics has only encouraged these strengths further. It is with this success in mind that the Youth Sport Trust is encouraging young people with disabilities to become sports leaders in schools.

Adil Ghani, seventeen, is one young individual who has taken on this role. Adil has muscular dystrophy which means that his muscles grow progressively weaker with time. However, Adil is determined to not let his condition stop him from doing what he wants and maintains that you have to keep a positive attitude in all areas of your life.  

It is clear that Adil loves his role at Marjorie McClure specialist school in Kent. When asked what he got out of it he explained how nice it was to see other young people taking an interest in sport and to see them achieving their goals. Adil encourages equality and explains how he views everyone as a leader no matter what their age or ability. Watching the children interact together and be encouraged by Adil enforces once again the impact sport can have on character building. Further, it is obvious that the values of the Paralympics-respect, personal excellence and friendship- are present here.

Steve Brown, captain of the Paralympic British rugby team has visited the project several times and believes it to be a fantastic initiative.  He explains how giving children and young people the opportunity to lead is paramount and crucial for personal development. Additionally he discusses how disabled children should be given the opportunity to show their potential not only with their peers but in the community in general in order to change perceptions.