05-05-2025
Paralympic gold-medallist from Colchester continues 'adversity' workshops
A PARALYMPIC champion from Colchester has received national funding so he can help people understand the challenges of living with disabilities.
Jonathan Broom-Edwards, who won gold in the T64 high jump at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, has been announced as one of 16 athletes to be funded by the ChangeMaker initiative, which allows Olympic athletes to support worthy causes across the country.
As part of the scheme, Mr Broom-Edwards runs "dealing with adversity" workshops which offer children a chance to experience simulated impairments and get an idea about the challenges faced by disabled people each day.
Mr Broom-Edwards, 36, is one of 16 athletes receiving grants of up to £10,000 to support their respective causes.
He said: 'I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of the ChangeMakers initiative.
'It's an incredible opportunity to grow and expand my accessible sporting workshops, a project that's very special and has the potential to positively impact so many lives.
'The workshops offer children a chance to experience simulated disabilities or impairments, helping them understand the challenges faced by their disabled peers.'
Delighted - Jonathan Broom-Edwards (Image: Newsquest)
Mr Broom-Edwards, who was born with clubbed foot, competes in the T64 category which is for athletes with a single below the knee amputation who run with a prosthetic body part.
He won his first paralympic high jump title at the Tokyo Olympics and was crowned world champion in Japan last year when he cleared 2.04m.
He continued: 'The ChangeMakers initiative creates lasting impressions and fosters empathy, promoting a more inclusive mindset that they can carry into society, shaping a future where people with disabilities are fully included, respected, and valued.
'It opens up opportunities for them to inspire the next generation, not only by sharing their personal journeys, but also by helping to roll out these workshops more widely, paving the way for a more inclusive world.
Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport, said: 'The National Lottery continues to be the biggest champion of sport at all levels in the UK.
"It's wonderful to see Allwyn, as operator of The National Lottery, enabling our athletes to go even further and use their voice and platforms to power positive change for people, communities and the planet.'
