Mount Carmel Catholic High School hosted an inspirational workshop with Tokyo 2020 Wheelchair Rugby Gold Medalist Ayaz Bhuta MBE. 

Ayaz met pupils from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 and outlined his career and achievements before answering lots of questions and showing them his amazing gold medal. Pupils then took part in a sponsored circuit training session overseen by Ayaz and P.E. Curriculum leader Mr Low. Those pupils who had managed to raise the most sponsorship money were presented with prizes and everyone had an opportunity to have their photo taken with Ayaz.

A really big thank you to everyone who has donated sponsorship money, which totals £797. Well done!

Ayaz Bhuta visit - March 2022

 

Read more about Ayaz below, taken from the Sports for Champions website https://www.sportsforchampions.com/ayaz-bhuta/

HOW I STARTED

I was born with Robert’s Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting upper and lower body limbs. I am 3ft 7 inches tall and weighs 45kg. Despite having spent most of my childhood and early teenage years in and out of hospital undergoing corrective procedures, I have always been a sports enthusiast and am always keen on taking part in sports. Being the only disabled student at my primary school was a challenge. Due to fears of health and safety, my sporting activity was limited until one day when I showed actual capability in participating in a playground football game which helped break down some barriers.

During my college years, I struggled to cope with his disability. During this period, I was very inactive, became overweight and had little confidence. To help myself overcome these issues, I started playing Wheelchair Basketball, where his self-confidence improved over time. Wheelchair Basketball is a non-contact sport, something I never really grasped as I became accustomed to getting sent off pretty much every game!

Shortly after getting involved with Wheelchair Basketball, I was scouted by Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby. Qualifying to play Wheelchair Rugby, the participant has to have an impairment in 3 or 4 limbs. It is also the only full-contact Paralympic sport, something which caught my attention. After several months of training, I was called up to represent GB in a Four Nations tournament in Australia. It was after this tournament that I was told I probably wouldn’t have a career internationally.

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

My greatest achievement is representing Team GB at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The experiences were wild and both wonderful opportunities. It was a fantastic feeling representing his own country and I am lucky enough, with all of this hard work to represent Great Britain again this year in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics!

MY GREATEST CHALLENGE

I struggled to cope with my disability and how people treated me because of it. I didn’t have many friends and any confidence within myself. I found sport helped him to regain confidence and feel comfortable within myself. I now want to help others realise their potential.

MY HOBBIES

I love watching lots of sports! Especially watching my favourite teams; Manchester United and the English Cricket team. I also enjoy playing Football Manager and cooking! My favourite meal is usually chicken and vegetables as it is a well rounded and healthy meal, but I also love to have a pizza as a treat after a tournament or match!

MY FUTURE GOALS

My future goals are to inspire as many people as I can through my actions and story to help people realise their potential.