I had my first taste of the Sainsbury’s UK School Games last year in the North East when I was a last-minute reserve for the Midlands in wheelchair table tennis. The year before (in Wales) I was unfortunately too young for the wheelchair racer age group.

I see this year’s Games as a great opportunity to experience what it would be like if I were to go to the Paralympics. I feel nervous and excited, but I’m hoping to improve on my GB rankings too.

The UK School Games is a fantastic event with all the home nations taking part and, because of that, the competition is strong. I’m really excited about going up against the best wheelchair table tennis players in the UK and I’m hoping to play my best table tennis yet. As the only girl on the squad, I really am doing it for all the girls!

Aside from competing in table tennis I will be keeping an eye on wheelchair basketball as I just missed out on selection for the South East team this year. There will be a lot of support for me in Sheffield. The wheelchair table tennis players are a very friendly group and we all cheer one another on, and my family will be there too.

Ultimately I want to represent my country in international competitions. I would love to go to the Paralympics and win a medal or two for my country!

I would also like to work in the sport industry. I want sport to be in my life 24/7 – I would like to give something back to sport as it has given me so much, and I would love to inspire other disabled young people to get involved in sport.

by Lucie Bouron, 16