AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
AN AUTISTIC boy from Enfield who triumphed over his learning difficulties to coach children the Paralympic sport of Bocchia has won a prestigious award.
(Left) Outstanding Achievement Award runner-up Scott Pope (Middle) Shane Gunesh (right) Paralympic swimmer Liz Johnson
Shane Gunesh, 17, received the Panathlon Young Leader of the Year at the Jack Petchey Outstanding Achievement Awards, held in the Olympic Gallery at John Lewis’ store, in Stratford, London, last Wednesday (23).
The accolade recognises young people with disabilities who have qualified and excelled as sports leaders to train disabled children.
Shane is recognised as being on the autistic spectrum and helps to coach Bocchia, which is similar to bowls, but is played with leather balls and is designed for athletes with severe impairments.
The 17-year-old from Carterhatch Lane, in Enfield, started Bocchia four years ago with the charity Panathlon which offers sports opportunities for disabled young people.
Shane’s mother, Sunita Gunesh, said playing, refereeing and coaching the sport has helped her son become more sociable.
“It was difficult to find out what he was interested in,” she explained. “He was really shy and found it hard to make friends and communicate with people.”
“But coaching Bocchia has given him the opportunity to help others and give instructions. He’s made friends and talks more. He loves it, ” she added.
Shane coaches a group of eight people aged between 16 and 28 every Wednesday at West Lea School, in Haselbury Road, Enfield, where he is a student two days a week.
He also studies a BTEC diploma in Sports Coaching at the Ponders End campus of The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East, in Hertford Road.
Earlier this year in April, Shane won a gold medal at the Heathcot Cup Boccia tournament after competing in the BC8 category, in Sheffield.
He referees at Boccia tournaments held by Panathlon and London Youth Games.
Shane volunteers at the Barnet Mencap Autistic Society, in Hendon Lane, Finchley, and helps to fund raise for the charity.
He is also a member of the Venturers Swimming Club for disabled young people at Albany Leisure Centre in Hertford Road.
Shane was presented the Young Leader award by Paralympic Swimmer Liz Johnson and said it was “very exciting” to have won.
Source: http://www.enfield-today.co.uk/arti...dership skills§ionIs=news&searchyear=2016
AN AUTISTIC boy from Enfield who triumphed over his learning difficulties to coach children the Paralympic sport of Bocchia has won a prestigious award.
(Left) Outstanding Achievement Award runner-up Scott Pope (Middle) Shane Gunesh (right) Paralympic swimmer Liz Johnson
Shane Gunesh, 17, received the Panathlon Young Leader of the Year at the Jack Petchey Outstanding Achievement Awards, held in the Olympic Gallery at John Lewis’ store, in Stratford, London, last Wednesday (23).
The accolade recognises young people with disabilities who have qualified and excelled as sports leaders to train disabled children.
Shane is recognised as being on the autistic spectrum and helps to coach Bocchia, which is similar to bowls, but is played with leather balls and is designed for athletes with severe impairments.
The 17-year-old from Carterhatch Lane, in Enfield, started Bocchia four years ago with the charity Panathlon which offers sports opportunities for disabled young people.
Shane’s mother, Sunita Gunesh, said playing, refereeing and coaching the sport has helped her son become more sociable.
“It was difficult to find out what he was interested in,” she explained. “He was really shy and found it hard to make friends and communicate with people.”
“But coaching Bocchia has given him the opportunity to help others and give instructions. He’s made friends and talks more. He loves it, ” she added.
Shane coaches a group of eight people aged between 16 and 28 every Wednesday at West Lea School, in Haselbury Road, Enfield, where he is a student two days a week.
He also studies a BTEC diploma in Sports Coaching at the Ponders End campus of The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East, in Hertford Road.
Earlier this year in April, Shane won a gold medal at the Heathcot Cup Boccia tournament after competing in the BC8 category, in Sheffield.
He referees at Boccia tournaments held by Panathlon and London Youth Games.
Shane volunteers at the Barnet Mencap Autistic Society, in Hendon Lane, Finchley, and helps to fund raise for the charity.
He is also a member of the Venturers Swimming Club for disabled young people at Albany Leisure Centre in Hertford Road.
Shane was presented the Young Leader award by Paralympic Swimmer Liz Johnson and said it was “very exciting” to have won.
Source: http://www.enfield-today.co.uk/arti...dership skills§ionIs=news&searchyear=2016
