Hi °C | Lo °C JULIA Thompson, from Glenville in Co Cork, is aiming high – although she's only 13, she already has her sights set on the Paralympics.
A member of the Rebel Wheelers in Cork, she's a big athletics fan, specialising in shot-putt, discus and javelin, but plays a variety of other sports at the regular Saturday morning session from 11am-1pm at the Cope Centre in Montenotte.
"I'd eventually like to qualify for the Paralympics with shot-putt, discus and javelin," says Julia.
Julia, who has spina bifida and joined the Rebel Wheelers some five years ago, enjoys sport immensely – not to mention all the socialising.
"One of my favourite things about the Rebel Wheelers is meeting my friends and talking to them – none of them are in my school so they're all extra friends!"
Says dad John: "We wanted to join the group because she'd get to meet with other kids and have physical exercise – and have something to do that was her own.
"Since she joined she's become more independent and confident in herself. It has improved her independence and her interest in participating in sports.
"The Rebel Wheelers met with the Paralympic team last year and Julia was impressed by them – in other sports children don't get a chance to meet Olympic athletes."
Irish Independent
