FARNHAM’S MP Jeremy Hunt officially opened the third Waverley Para Games with a record number of participants taking part.

The now-annual event took place at The Charterhouse Club in Godalming, supported by Paralympian Rachel Morris and International Para Dressage Rider Erin Orford.

More than 145 young SEND students, aged 11 to 14, from schools throughout Surrey took part in a variety of sports including tennis, swimming, boccia and sitting volleyball.

A former Charterhouse student himself, Jeremy Hunt admitted sport wasn’t his strongest talent at school, but he soon fell in love with running, admitting it is a great way to unwind and lose yourself.

“I passionately believe that disabled children have as much right to have sport in their life as all other children, but the truth is they have many more obstacles than other children” he commented.

“If you are a young disabled child living in Farnham, then you have to think about the logistics of getting to and from the sports club that’s got the facilities that make it possible for you to do sport.

“What makes this day so special is the amazing support from Rachel Morris, who is our own hero in Farnham, and who has inspired so many people. I really do feel that if Olympians are heroes, then Paralympians are superheroes because they’ve had double the challenges, not just of international sport at the highest level but also fighting their own disability.

“The whole purpose of these games is that it shouldn’t just be a one-off, it should be carried on throughout the year - sport makes you realise you can do things you never thought was possible, and that unlocks your potential.”

Since the Waverley Para Games were launched in 2013, numbers have steadily increased year on year with attendance up by 30 per cent this year.

The success of the games this year has further strengthened the desire for those involved, to continue to grow and develop the event into something even bigger – encouraging more young people to engage with sport.

Paralympian Rachel Morris, said: “Events like this are really important, because it gives youngsters the confidence to try new things.

“These kids can do things, it’s about giving them the opportunity and getting the access for them to be able to do it. You’ve got to have that chance. It’s about having your eyes open and being able to see that actually I can do it. I may take a bit longer but I’m going to do it my way.

“Children need to see it as their own level, they have to believe in themselves and have their own confidence. If you’re told you can’t do something at a young age you start to believe it.”

Mr Hunt noted that the event would not have been possible without the generosity of COINS Foundation, the DFN Charitable Foundation, Active Surrey, Charterhouse, and the support of Rachel and Erin for their mentoring and encouragement.

Rio hopeful Erin added: “I think you need to think outside of the box when you are trying to work with sports.

“When I was trying sports I was told what the outcome needs to be but not necessarily what I needed to do to get there. It was sort of my job to work out how I could do that.

“I might not be able to do it in the same way that other people can, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t get to the same destination.

“You need to look back at why you started in the first place and what is was about that sport that makes you want to keep trying and ultimately how would you feel if you did give up. There shouldn’t be a divide – there should be the same opportunity for everyone.”