Ambassadors support READY at Platanos College.

Toby Gold, silver medallist at the Paralympics at Rio, and Sophie Kamlish, a veteran of both the London and Rio Para Games and world record holder at only 19 years old, were fantastic Ambassadors of READY at the Platanos Foundation Awards evening on Wednesday 16th November.

They jointly presented the “Pupil of the Year Award”, and gave the parents and pupils an inspirational lecture on the values of never giving up, no matter what the obstacles faced, and to always reset goals to aim higher. Toby said that even though he had won a silver medal, he still wanted to improve and aspire to winning the gold, and Sophie stated that although she had made sacrifices, the rewards made all the difficult decisions worthwhile.

They both thanked READY for providing them with the equipment that had helped their success, and that without that support, they would not have been able to fulfil their dreams. There was also a video message from Kare Adenegan,  aged 15 and already a winner of both a Para-Olympic silver and 2 bronze medals at Rio this year, telling students to keep working hard, to make the most of themselves, to never give up, no matter whether it is studying academic subjects, the arts, sport or music.

Katy Peart, Head of Physical Education at Platanos, said “Toby, Sophie and Kare are an inspiration to us all, to never stop trying to get better, to make the most of ourselves and to always set our own goals, no matter what difficulties we face.. They are an example of what positive thoughts and hard work can help us achieve”.

Toby and Sophie signed autographs and stayed behind to talk to each and every person, and they are inspirational role models to everyone. READY are proud to have helped Sophie, Toby and Kare to achieve their dreams, and with the help of donations, no matter how small, the charity will continue to support children with disabilities to achieve their goals”.