A para-athlete from Ramsey Heights has been selected as part of the 31-strong England Team heading to the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games.
Sixteen-year-old Vincent Forkner, part of Huntingdonshire Athletics Club (HAC), was selected as one of just four para-athletes in the team picked to compete in Trinidad and Tobago between August 4-11.
Vincent has cystic fibrosis and cerebral palsy and will compete in the T37 100m and the F37 Long Jump classifications for athletes with moderate coordination impairments in one half of the body.
Known fondly by friends and family as Vinnie, the call-up caps a remarkable year for him after he won two golds for England at the South Africa National Championships in March.
Vinnie's coach at HAC, Jo Abel, said: "We're very proud and excited for Vinnie to be selected to represent England."
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Trinbago 2023 is the first-time para-sport has been included in the Commonwealth Youth Games competition schedule, with para-athletes invited to be part of an integrated Games.
Vinnie is currently the fastest Under 17 Man T37 100m runner in the country with 13.79.
He is also ranked first in the country in the F37 Under 17 Men's long jump with a personal best of 4.45m.
A HAC spokesperson added: "Hunts AC is very proud of Vinnie.
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"He is a confident young man who is focused on maximising his potential. He will take full advantage of this excellent opportunity in Trinidad & Tobago."
Ahead of the championships in South Africa back in March, Vinnine said on a Facebook post: "I am still hoping to be part of the Paralympics in 2024; that is my dream, but I am still young.
"I have cystic fibrosis as well as cerebral palsy, but this doesn't stop me, it makes me more determined to stay healthy and keep running."
To keep updated with Vinnie's progress at the games and his achievements, follow his Facebook page: Vincent Forkner T37 Athlete.
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