Shropshire archer Tom, 24, sets sights on Paralympics
An archer from Shropshire is setting his sights on the Paralympics after winning a silver medal in the Inter Spinal Unit Games.
Tom Stevens was among a team from the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries, based at Oswestry's orthopaedic hospital, competing against 80 people from 12 spinal injury centres from the UK and Ireland at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.
Tom, 24, just missed out on the gold to Salisbury spinal unit by the smallest possible margin.
On top of his archery success, Tom has been contacted by the GB Shooting team to be assessed for his Paralympic potential.
After a traumatic spinal injury caused from falling off a ladder, Tom felt that he was unlikely to ever walk or swim again. Now, with the aid of crutches he has become one of the five per cent to regain mobility after a spinal injury and was delighted to complete a 50m Freestyle swim during the week.
He said: "I had the mindset from day one, there was no point in being miserable about it, you got to get up and do things haven't you, you can't just sit around.
"I've loved the Inter Spinal Unit Games, absolutely loved it, I'd love to come again.
"Everyone getting together, everyone is happy with each other and getting on with each other. You talk to people, you make new friends, it's just good."
Run by national wheelchair sport charity WheelPower, the annual Inter Spinal Unit Games has long been established as the flagship sporting event to support those rehabilitating from a spinal cord injury.
Event organiser and WheelPower's sport development officer Stewart Jeeves said: "Throughout the week all participants have fully embraced their opportunity to have a go at sport.
"The Games help patients with spinal cord injuries to discover what they can achieve when they engage in sport and physical activity. Many return home full of confidence and desire to continue playing the sport they love in their local area."
