Lockdown is not stopping Bourne Paralympian rider and Holbeach based strong men from training
Our sportspeople are keeping focused on their events going ahead this year - after the pandemic forced many contests, including the Olympics and Paralympics, to be postponed.
Paralympian rider Bert Sheffield, from Bourne, was waiting last year to find out if she would be selected as part of Canada’s dressage squad with her horse Fairuza for the Toyko Paralympics.
After the event was postponed in March, she has used the time to continue to put 100 per cent into her training to make sure both herself and Fairuza, also known as Wonky, are at the top of their game. Elite level sports training has been allowed to continue through lockdown.
“Part of elite level sport is obviously training,” she explained. “You would never expect any elite level athlete to compete without training. That would be asking for injury.
“We have to be careful we are not taking any unnecessary or any greater risks. Obviously riding horses is a risk sport. It is balancing risks. I have been able to keep training and at Four Winds (Equestrian Centre in West Pinchbeck) we have a system to limit the number of people in a yard at a time and can stay as COVID safe as possible, and care for our horses and meet their welfare needs and train and exercise them.”
Tokyo being put back a year has allowed her more time to work with her horse.
“You have to find silver linings in these situations, otherwise you would go mad!” she said.
A final decision on this year’s Paralympics and Olympics going ahead is expected in March.
Sam Fowler, who runs Royals Gym in Holbeach, had to postpone last year’s South Lincolnshire Strongest competition. He has rescheduled the event for September 4, to be held once again at the Holbeach Food Festival, which also had to be postponed last year.
“The festival’s been moved to September when hopefully there will be lifted restrictions. I have about eight people travelling down from Scotland which is great news to bring people to the little town of Holbeach!” he said, adding that by hosting the event at the festival he hopes to inspire others.
Royal's Gym owner Sam Fowler has also been supporting his friend Craig Candler (pictured), who is due to compete in this year's World Strongman Games, planned for November in Florida. (44292493)
