The British Paralympic Association has today announced the nine athletes selected to represent Paralympics GB in Boccia. One of those lucky nine is 17 year old Jacob Thomas from Pembrokeshire.
Having been identified through the joint UK Sport and British Paralympic Association talent search, Paralympic Potential, Thomas is sure to be thrilled with his selection, along with his father, Mike, who will be on court with him as his ramp assistant, ‘We are delighted, Jacob is the athlete and he has worked incredibly hard so this is a dream come true for him. The rest of the family and the local community have been very supportive and I’m sure they will all be rooting for him. Jacob has wanted this for a long time, we know there will be a lot of work involved in the run up to London but we are all thrilled for him.’
Jacob was today one of the twenty athletes announced today, along with Judo and Powerlifting, taking the Paralympics GB squad to eighty athletes to date.
Disability Sport Wales Executive Director, Jon Morgan said of the selection:
"I am delighted for Jacob, and his father Michael, to be selected for the Paralympics GB Boccia squad for London 2012. In 2006 Jacob was invited as one of the first athletes into our newly formed Academy programme, and ever since then we have seen him flourish to be the best Boccia player in the UK in his classification group, whilst also being considered highly on the world stage. We must remember he is only 17yrs old, and this is only the start of a glittering career in the sport. Recognition must also be given to his father, Michael, as he will be on court with Jacob as his ramp assistant, they make a great team and I look forward to cheering them on in London"
