9-year-old Isle of Wight athlete Jake Burton, who has cerebral palsy, has been given a £3,000 boost to continue competing at national level after winning 2 gold medals on his debut at the Activity Alliance National Championships.
Jake, an athlete with Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight, took gold in the shot put at Warwick University before securing another gold medal in his first-ever Frame Running race.
For that competition, Jake had to use a borrowed Frame Runner, but thanks to a £3,000 donation from Wightlink, he will soon have a bespoke one of his own.
Jake first discovered Frame Running at a taster session organised on the Isle of Wight by Sporting Opportunities.
The sport uses a 3-wheeled frame, with the athlete supported by a saddle and body plate. Competitors use their feet to propel themselves forward while steering through movements of their hands and arms.
Wightlink stepped in to support the young athlete after meeting him at a Wightlink in the Community event and hearing about his national success and enthusiasm for the sport.
The specialist Frame Runner will be built on the Isle of Wight by Ventnor-based engineer Simon Wearing and is expected to be ready for Jake later this year.
Steve Exley, Wightlink’s Finance Director, has said:
“I was incredibly inspired by Jake when I met him at our Wightlink in the Community event earlier this summer.
“His determination, natural ability and sheer enjoyment of the sport really stood out, and we wanted to find a way to help him progress.
“Working with Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight, we’re delighted to be able to provide Jake with a Frame Runner built specifically for him, and we can’t wait to see him using it later this year.”
Jake has said:
“I’m excited to be able to use a Frame Runner again. I really like running as a sport, and I love that Wightlink has bought one for me, so thank you to Wightlink.”
Deborah Percy, from Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight, has said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Wightlink, not only for their continued travel support, but also for the genuine interest they take in our charity and, of course, our wonderful athletes.
“This generous donation will make such a difference to Jake as he embarks on more competitions.
“By investing in young athletes like Jake, Wightlink is helping to create opportunities, inspire ambition and nurture the sporting stars of tomorrow.”
Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight is among 45 Island organisations receiving cross-Solent travel support through the Wightlink in the Community initiative.
More information can be found at www.wightlink.co.uk/community and www.soiw.org.uk.
