Olympic Recognition For Proud Mark
Mark was nominated to carry the torch by his parents, Alan and Mary, who also live on the Island. Olympic recognition is nothing new for Mark, 35, who has a learning disability and is supported by the Group’s Island based Care and Supporting Independence Team. The former St Catherine’s School and Medina House pupil is thrilled to have been chosen. ‘I’m over the moon and really excited about carrying the torch’ said Mark. ‘I am going to run the 300 metres from Totland and am practising on the athletics track at Sandown!’ (Academy) he enthused. ‘When I was younger, I was selected to swim for England in two Special Olympics and won one gold medal for my front crawl and a silver medal for my backstroke’ he added. Mark’s parents are justifiably proud of their son. ‘Mark has achieved such a lot in his life but people with a disability sometimes get overlooked’ said Mary. ‘This is real recognition and an honour for Mark and will do wonders for his self-esteem’ she added.
Similar Articles
Spotlight on our Beacon Deliverers10 January 2013
There are probably as many reasons why people deliver copies of the Isle of Wight Beacon as there are people who deliver. This month we’ve been speaking to one of our East Cowes deliverers to find out why she gets involved.
Bestival promises wild times at Robin Hill22 August 2012
The scene is set at Robin Hill Country Park ahead of Bestival, which promises a huge range of acts throughout the weekend of 6 – 9 September.
Duke celebrates British manufacturing success14 August 2012
The Duke of Edinburgh was presented with a bottle of specially produced local ale when visiting the Isle of Wight for the second time this summer.
Official Cowes Week charity gears up for regatta09 August 2012
The official charity partner of Cowes Week 2012 is hoping their shore-side fundraising activities are just as successful as their on the water racing.
Best of British Celebration with Olympic Sailors for Cowes Week11 July 2012
A full programme of activities has been announced for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, which takes place between 11 and 18 August 2012.
Lifeboat Lotto Birthday Celebrated30 May 2012
The Independent Lifeboat Lotto has made £36,000 for the units at Ryde, Freshwater and Sandown in its first year.
Across the Island
In your Beacon
The Magazine
Isle of Wight News
Family pay tribute to "bubbly" Daniel 22 May 2013 - 10:32AM
The family of Daniel Dwight have paid tribute to the 29-year-old, who died last week at Alum Bay. …continue
New free school plan approved 22 May 2013 - 11:19AM
Plans to build a new free school on the Isle of Wight have been given approval by the Department for Education. …continue
College staff changes inevitable - assistant principal 21 May 2013 - 7:11PM
Staff changes at the Isle of Wight College are inevitable following a cut in funding, according to its assistant principal. …continue
Bucketful of awards for Isle of Wight beaches 22 May 2013 - 1:01AM
The Isle of Wight's beaches have won the highest number of awards in the country from the Keep Britain Tidy Group. …continue
Hampshire Police to sell £9.2m building in HQ downsize 22 May 2013 - 1:01AM
A £9.2m building bought as a new headquarters for Hampshire and Isle of Wight police is to be sold, along with the force's current HQ site in Winchester. …continue
Eurovia working with Bardon Vectis parent company on materials for Highways PFI 21 May 2013 - 11:33AM
Island Roads, the company in charge of the Isle of Wight Highways PFI programme, has revealed that it is already working with Bardon Vectis' parent company on fulfilling the contract. …continue