A tribute to Paralympian Sam Scott who has sadly passed away at the age of 31 as Disability Sport Wales Performance Manager Anthony Hughes says a heartfelt farewell to one of Wales’ finest Para Athletes.
“I first met Sam when he was seven years of age. He wheeled into Wrexham Athletics Stadium following a phone call from his mother about Sam’s successes at the Junior Games in Stoke Mandeville. He had literally won everything both on and off the track.
Sam was such an unbelievable talent. He was British Junior Champion and eventually became Junior European and World Champion. Even from a young age his ultimate goal was to become a Paralympian and after his impairment forced him to switch sports in 2010 he achieved his dream at London 2012 as part of the Paralympics GB Sitting Volleyball team where they reached the semi-finals. Therefore, his proud family had the pleasure of seeing him perform on home soil on the global stage. Sam played like a dragon at the Paralympics as those that knew Sam knew that was his only way – to give 110%.
My coaching and sporting career has spanned back since before 1982 but I can honestly say Sam was one of the most talented, driven and well- liked athletes I have ever come across. He had a passion and love for all his friends and team mates – those in Wales and indeed beyond. He was a proud Welshman; he loved his family and idolised his son Rhys while he had a real love for rugby and music. As an amazing singer and song writer he would play his guitar at the drop of a hat - he was such an achiever in his life and was definitely known for his music and banter!
Sam, you have touched the lives of so many people so it’s a final goodbye from your friends at DSW and across the sporting world. One of your own compositions was titled ‘Seren’ – a song your Mum particularly loved. ‘Seren’ seems an apt name as you truly were a star so shine bright.
Without doubt Wales has lost an amazing young man. The Disability Sport Wales family send our love and thoughts to his family and son Rhys.”
