Young swimmer honoured with Pride of Britain Award
A talented young swimmer, who had her legs and hands amputated at four years old after contracting meningitis, is to be honoured with a Pride of Britain Award.
13-year-old Danielle Bailey, who started swimming just over a year ago, was talent spotted through the Sport England-backed Playground to Podium initiative and now hopes to become a Paralympic swimmer.
Playground to Podium aims to give disabled young people the same sporting opportunities as their non-disabled counterparts and identify disabled young people who have the potential to go on to become elite athletes. It was set up by Sport England, the Youth Sport Trust and Paralympics GB.
Danielle, from Otley in West Yorkshire, attended an assessment day last summer and, after some expert coaching from the ASA, was fast-tracked for classification. She now hopes to be accepted on to the British Disability World Class Talent Programme, which could eventually take her to Paralympic glory.
"This is fantastic news. Danielle should feel incredibly proud of what she has achieved in such a short space of time and I am delighted that Sport England has been able to help her through Playground to Podium. Danielle's story is a great example of the fabulous work going on up and down the country to deliver a lasting sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I am sure Danielle's achievements will inspire more young people to get involved in sport."
Danielle was surprised by boyband One Direction in her school assembly who told her she would be receiving the Child of Courage award at the televised ceremony.
"I couldn't believe it when they came over to me," said the 13 year old. "I love them all. My mates were so jealous."
She will become an unsung hero as she picks up the Child of Courage Award at the Pride of Britain on Wednesday 5 October on ITV1 at 8pm.
