Cowley pupils inspired by Paralympian skier (From The Oxford Times)

Cowley pupils inspired by Paralympian skier

7:00am Thursday 9th September 2010 in

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THE remarkable story of a Paralympic skier is helping children at an Oxford school reach their potential.

In 2006, Anna Turney was a rising snowboard star with Olympic ambitions when a horrific accident during a border-cross competition in Japan left her paralysed from the waist down with a spinal injury.

But she did not abandon her dreams and is now one on the world’s leading mono-skiers, using one ski, and competed at both the World Championships and the Paralympic Games.

Miss Turney, 30, told her inspirational story to Students at St Gregory the Great School in Cowley this week, launching a programme of workshops to help them realise their dreams.

She said: “It’s about inspiring them to set goals and work hard to achieve them. That focus is really key to reaching your potential.

“My ambition to snowboard at the Olympics was totally shattered but I found out about mono-skiing and that gave me a new goal to work towards.

"Having that focus really helped me to enjoy life again.”

Miss Turney, from Buckinghamshire, came sixth at the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver and has her sights set on a medal in 2014. She is also hoping to make the Team GB rowing squad for the Summer Paralympics in London 2012.

Miss Turney was at the school as part of the 21st Century Legacy scheme, a charity founded by Olympic gold medallist Dr David Hemery, aimed at inspiring youngsters through sport.

Students will now embark on a 24-week programme of sessions covering skills including teamwork, leadership, coaching and mental preparation.

Headteacher John Hussey said: “This is about discovering talent and learning the tough lessons of resilience and determination and how to cope with setbacks. It’s about any talent, the arts, music or maths.”

The 21st Legacy Scheme has been launched at a number of Oxford schools this week.

Paralympian Ian Rose, who competes in Judo, spoke to children at Wheatley Park School and Paralympic runner Danny Crates was at Wood Green School, Witney.