Para Olympian Inspires Pupils

Wednesday 24th of February, as part of the Leadership Academy (Westminster Schools Sports Partnership Project) Tim Pendgrast attended Paddington Academy to tell his story.
He was greeted by the Year 9 Ambassadors (Ruta, Leon, Khalece and Abdullah) in reception and escorted to the Sports Hall where a Year 7 group of girls were waiting.
His story is one of despair (going blind at age 8), but also one that showed an individuals  determination playing  a great role in overcoming adversity was well received and the girls were full of questions.
He then worked with the Year 9 ambassadors on their plans for the school based project and then attended the year 9 assembly where he shared his story again. Again he was well received and I am sure touched many minds and hearts.
The final meeting that took place was with Al-Hussain Al-Keraim.  Al – Hussain suffers from an Eye Condition known as GLAUCOMA, which has left him with limited sight. He and Tim hit it off immediately; discussing their conditions, Al’s vision of running for school council and the barriers that Tim over came to achieve his goal. Al left the meeting truly inspired
Tim left Paddington Academy extremely happy and promised on his return, he would deliver a master class in athletics and naming Paddington Academy his Home school. Something which we will defiantly hold him to.