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Cougars on road to Olympic glory
THE Olympic dream could become reality for a group of talented youngsters.
Calderdale Cougars was started last year for young disabled and special educational needs athletes.
The group has gone from strength to strength with some members picked to join the 2012 Paralympics.
The Courier's Join Our Club campaign, aimed at getting people to be more active, is highlighting their work to inspire others.
Halifax Harriers coach Brian Burgin, who runs the Cougars' training classes, said: "It's brilliant. We've got around 14 kids taking part at the moment.
"We teach them how to throw a javelin and discus and run. Secon-dary schools from all over Calderdale are involved and we're hoping primary schools will take part too."
The programme, which develops the abilities of disabled athletes, has helped give members a chance of national success.
A number of the Cougars athletes are already involved in regional and national coaching and development programmes.
Members include 16-year-old Hannah Cockroft, of Waindale Crescent, Mount Tabor, Halifax, who is now part of the Athletics World Class Pathway. The scheme is aimed at achieving world championships and Paralympics success.
Hannah, who was born with a damaged spinal cord that left her with balance problems, was spotted by top wheelchair athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson after winning a silver medal for the seated discus at the UK Schools Games at Coventry University.
She fits her training around studying AS levels at Holy Trinity Senior School, Holmfield.
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We want to hear what you have been doing to get fit and lead a healthier lifestyle.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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