Paralympic champion inspires next generation

A PARALYMPIC champion has paid a visit to an Omagh school to inspire pupils to chase their dreams no matter the odds.

Ayaz Bhuta, a paralympic basketball player and former rugby player, is undertaking his current tour of schools to educate children on the importance of exercise and nutrition.

The tour was organised by Sports For Champions whose mission it is to educate and empower children in sport

Explaining the reasoning behind the visit, Ayaz said, “I was originally approached to do a talk on the importance of exercise in Loreto College in Omagh who wanted me to come down. I thought it was a bit far to come for just one college so Sports For Champions said they would organise a selection of schools for me to visit.

“The idea behind this is to empower children and enable people as well as spreading the word about disability sport. It’s also about keeping people active, spreading the word about the importance of exercise and nutritional benefits.”

The GB Paralympic athlete was born with a rare genetic disorder that affects the growth of the bones in his arms and legs.

He was part of the gold medal winning wheelchair rugby team that competed in the 2021 Tokyo games.

During the visit to Omagh County PS, Ayaz hosted an assembly where he put the pupils through their paces in an exercise workshop and answered their questions.