Michael still carries torch for old college
Michael Kerr presents his Olympic torch to college principal Paul Little.
UDDINGSTON Paralympic medal hope Michael Kerr has donated the Olympic torch he carried recently to his old college.
The 29-year-old, part of the Great Britain wheelchair rugby team, is a former City of Glasgow College student and decided to hand over the torch he carried on the Scottish leg of the UK-wide relay as a way of thanking the college for its help with his preparations for the London Games.
Before setting off for the capital, the 29 year old former City of Glasgow College student paid a visit to the college where he donated the Olympic torch he carried during the recent Scottish leg of the UK-wide relay.
A decade ago the health and fitness student was forced to cut his studies short after a diving accident on a summer holiday left him paralysed.
Despite the tragic accident, Michael made it his goal to continue in sport and decided to take up wheelchair rugby and, after five years of battling to win a place in the professional GB squad, he’s finally achieved his dream.
To help Michael prepare for the challenge the college – an official partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – gave him free access to its facilities to train.
Iain Houston, head of department for fitness and sports, said: “It has been a pleasure helping Mick in the preparation for the games. He is a true sportsman and ambassador not only for the sport, but for the City of Glasgow College.
“On a number of occasions he has spoken to our sports students helping them in their studies and his work to support people with disabilities is unrivalled.”
Michael said: “I’m really looking forward to heading to the Games after such a gruelling period of training.
“We’ve already taken part in a test event at the venue, which was amazing despite being fairly quiet. When we head to the Paralympic Games it will be at full capacity with more than 12,000 spectators so the atmosphere will be electric.”
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Weather for Motherwell, Scotland
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 7 C to 16 C
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Temperature: 4 C to 13 C
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