A GOLD medal-winning Paralympian was in the region last night to celebrate the achievements of young people in Northumberland.
Chris Holmes MBE, who won 15 medals for swimming and is involved in the London 2012 Games, was at Alnwick Castle with two other renowned athletes for the unique event to mark the efforts of county youths through three Inspire Mark Programmes.
The event was a collaboration between Northumberland Sport, Northumberland Clubs for Young People and Time Travel Northumberland based at Woodhorn – all of which have been awarded the London 2012 accreditation.
It was organised by young people who are involved in the organisations with support from their management.
The evening was attended by more than 200 people, including Chris, who is director of paralympic integration for the London 2012 Games and won nine gold, five silver and one bronze medals.
He was joined by athlete Stephen Miller, a three times Paralympic gold medallist and 2012 hopeful, and former Olympic gymnast Craig Heap.
Guests watched performances from the young people already benefiting from the three programmes and also a special video message from the Duchess of Northumberland.
Speaking from the event, Chris said: “It has been a great evening, a celebration of Inspire Mark projects across the region.
“It is fantastic to chat to the people who are involved in these projects.
“For me this is the real Games magic, stuff happening on the ground, making a difference to people’s lives and it is great that so many people are here today to share Inspire Mark projects and frankly to have a really fun evening.”
The Inspire programme officially recognises projects which engage young people using the values of London 2012.
Only the most accessible, participative, inspiring and stimulating projects and events achieve the mark.
Across the North East 179 projects have attained the London 2012 Inspire mark, with that number expected to rise to 183.
Nearly two-thirds of all these projects are sport-based.
Projects in the North East of England have been supported by more than £10.3m of funding through the scheme.
It is envisaged that by time of the Games, over half the population in the North East will have been involved in an Inspire project.
