May 3, 2011 2.11 pm This story is over 154 months old

Local athlete trains for Paralympics

Going for gold: Andrew Skinner is training with a Paralympic team in preparation for 2012.

A Lincoln athlete is training with the Great Britain Sitting Volleyball squad as he prepares for the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Andrew Skinner (41) is from Skellingthorpe, and recently moved to Roehampton, London, to begin his full-time training with the team.

While training for 2012, he will also be at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester this month, Continental Cup in Kettering and the European Championships in Holland.

Andrew Skinner

By competing in these competitions, he will find out if he is selected for the World Cup,

He said: “The training is 100% more intense than in Lincoln and it is very hard work.

“The day starts at 5.15am with breakfast and training followed by rehabilitation and gym work, Monday to Friday.

“At 41 years of age I can tell you; it’s tough and the hours are long, but the goal of being selected for the Paralympic Games next year in London is well worth it!”

Skinner is currently a member of the Lincolnshire Elite Athlete Programme (LEAP) run by Lincolnshire Sports Partnership.

Project Officer Rachel Belcher said: “Despite being ranked so high and competing at an International level, Andy is unable to receive financial support from Sports Aid and other funding pots because of his age.

“We’re delighted to be supporting him through LEAP as a local athlete, and wish him and the rest of the GB team the best of luck in Roehampton.

“We look forward to seeing how he progresses and hope to follow him at the World Cup, Continental Cup, European Cup and the Paralympics!”

Source: LEAP