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Teesside Sport

Paralympic send off for Jade Jones

22 August 2016

 

Staff at Teesside University have given a rousing send-off to one of their students who is heading to Brazil to compete in the Paralympics.

ParalympicGB wheelchair racer and Teesside University student, Jade Jones
ParalympicGB wheelchair racer and Teesside University student, Jade Jones

Wheelchair racer Jade Jones, who is studying a law degree at the University, has been selected to represent ParalympicGB and is flying out to Rio de Janeiro at the end of this month.

This year Teesside University has made Clearing simple and if you are still seeking a University place, you can call the University’s Clearing hotline on 0800 952 0226 or visit the Clearing website.

To mark her achievements, Professor Paul Crawshaw, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Business & Law, presented her with an engraved, crystal tea-light holder in a farewell event attended by staff and students from the University.

He said: 'To represent your country at the Paralympics is the pinnacle of sporting achievement and the result of extreme dedication.

'We are absolutely delighted for Jade and I know she will be a fantastic ambassador for both Teesside University and Great Britain.

'We are all really looking forward to cheering her on in Rio.'

Jade is a member of the University’s elite athlete scheme which provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to athletes at international level or with exceptional international potential.

The scheme provides a comprehensive support package which is individually tailored to meet the needs of each person.

Athletes can access academic and sports science support such as physiological and biomechanical assessment, monitoring of training loads, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and sports psychology support.

Teesside University and the elite athlete scheme have been a huge support to me. Having a network there, and an understanding of what I’m doing is invaluable.

Jade Jones, ParalympicGB wheelchair racer and Teesside University elite athlete

Jade has also used the University’s specialist environment chamber, which recreates exact climate conditions and allows her to race in the same sweltering heat she can expect to face in Rio.

Jade said: 'I’m really excited about going. I feel like I’ve progressed so much since London 2012, I’m a lot stronger and a lot fitter.

'Right now my training’s tapered off so I’m just concentrating on the small things that people don’t really think about when you see the race on TV, like what sort of wheels I need to take and fine-tuning my nutrition.

'Teesside University and the elite athlete scheme have been a huge support to me. Having a network there, and an understanding of what I’m doing is invaluable. There’s never any questions if I need to go away on a training camp, they support me with the work I need.

'It’s incredible, you wouldn’t get that support anywhere else.'

Jade was first encouraged to take up wheelchair racing by 11 times Paralympic gold medallist and Teesside University honorary graduate Tanni Grey-Thompson. She is trained by Baroness Grey-Thompson’s husband, Ian Thompson.

This will be Middlesbrough-born Jade’s second Paralympics. In 2012, she competed in London in the 400m, 800m and 1,500m events.

She has also competed in the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships and was a finalist in the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.


 
 
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