Dartford student welcomes Paralympic stars (From News Shopper)

Dartford student welcomes Paralympic stars

3:38pm Tuesday 23rd September 2008 in Sport

A YOUNGSTER from Dartford has met the British Paralympic squad on their return to Heathrow airport.

The Rowhill pupil had been researching the Paralympics and Olympics for the last three weeks with Burning2Learn and Michael Cobley was the lucky student to be invited to attend out of the whole class.

He said: "When the stars came through the doors with their gold, silver and bronze medals shining, they had big smiles on their faces.

"After I finished taking my photos, I got the chance to wear a gold medal thanks to Dave Roberts who won four golds in the Water Cube, breaking three world records.

"Before I got in the lift I met the 13-year-old Eleanor Simmonds before to the press conference room to take some pictures.

"I also talked to Lee Pearson and told him about my archery and what I hope to achieve in 2012. I was really surprised to be able to hold a gold Medal and hope to be holding my own in 2012."

Burning2Learn's Alan Dean added: "This shows the students anything is possible and if they chase their dreams, they can make it."