The summer holidays may have come to an end, and the weather might be taking a turn, but we at Active Essex can’t help but still feel overwhelmingly proud of the inspirational Essex athletes who smashed down barriers and brought home the medals at this year’s Tokyo games.
We are completely in awe by the Paralympic and Olympic athletes, who continued to inspire us all throughout the summer, and we know that the power of their performances will stay with our residents, too. From showcasing their strength and determination in achieving poll positions, to celebrating the support and dedication of their communities – our athletes showed us that it’s about honouring all achievements – no matter how big or how small, no matter who you are.
We would like to extend a huge congratulations to all Essex Paralympians for their incredible sporting performances in Tokyo. To Colchester’s Zoe Newson for storming her way to the Women’s Powerlifting finals and to Ellie Challis from Tendring, for achieving a silver medal for her breathtaking Backstroke. To Harlow’s Richard Chiassaro, for his thundering performance in the Men’s Track Athletics final.
A massive congratulations to the incredible George Peasgood for winning silver in the Men’s Triathlon, and bronze in the Men’s Road Cycling. To three time silver medal winning Women’s Cycling champion, Crystal Lane-Wright. And to Jaco Van Gass from Colchester, for achieving a fantastic double gold win, and a bronze in the Men’s Cycling competition. These athletes are all our heroes, and we are so proud to have them representing our great county at the 2020 Paralympic Tokyo Games.
Our Paralympians continue to inspire people of all abilities to achieve their personal goals in all areas of life. Showcasing that sport and physical activity can really change the way we see and appreciate ourselves, whilst changing our lives for the better, we at Active Essex hope to support everyone to achieve their personal goals, too. Our Essex All Together campaign has identified that despite 70% of us living with a disability or long-term health condition wanting to be more active, we’re still twice as likely to be inactive than those without. Essex All Together is a growing community of people who believe that this can change in Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
And along with a huge congratulations to all of our Olympic athletes for achieving greatness, we’d like to thank them for showcasing that sport is varied, and that there is an activity out there for everyone. From the Pommel Horse to Trap Shooting, BMX Racing to Field Hockey – our Olympians excelled because they found the activity that was right for them, and you can too.
You can find an activity that suits you and your lifestyle in your area, by checking out our Find Your Active campaign. And for more information about Essex All Together – a campaign to support people living with a disability or long-term health condition, both visible or invisible, in getting active – check out our website.
