A Pontarddulais Judo athlete has won a gold medal at the first ever European intellectual disability Championships.
Kyle Jones from Pontarddulais Dragon School of Combat won the medal at the event which was held in London, England in August. The tournament was backed by the IJF and INAS (International Association of Sport for Para Athletes with an intellectual disability).
The 19-year-old has ring chromosome 15 ADHD and severe learning difficulties.
With the help of his coaches Andrew Burt and Peter Hayward, Kyle has achieved what many other competitors would love to have done.
Andrew’s outlook is inspiring. He said: “You don’t have to be able bodied to do judo. Judo is for everyone, whether they have a disability or not.”
Kyle is a member of the British Judo Association.
His first time participating in the sport wasn’t successful. Speaking to Llanelli Online he said: “I took up Judo before but I didn’t like so I stopped going, however I went back and now I love it.”
Kyle’s goal is to fight in the Olympics and other big competitions and he is looking for sponsors. Anyone who sponsors Kyle will have their logo placed on his Judogi and hoodie as he competes all around Europe.
His parents Neil and Tabitha said: “Kyle is an inspiration to everyone at the Dragon School of Combat and the local community in Pontarddulais. We would like to thank everyone for all their support.
“His family and friends are very proud of him. Thanks Kyle for putting Pontarddulais on the map.”
If you would like to sponsor Kyle contact the Pontarddulais Dragon School of Combat via their website.
