Bromsgrove man aims to become a Paralympic star (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Bromsgrove man aims to become a Paralympic star

3:00pm Saturday 9th March 2013 in Local

A BROMSGROVE man has been boosted by a grant that could help him become a Paralympic star.

Table tennis player Craig Allen was recently named Bromsgrove District Council’s 2012 disabled sports personality of the year.

The 18-year-old plays standing disability table tennis, and trains with the Performance Development Team at the British Table Tennis Association for people with disabilities.

The Joanna Brown Trust has awarded Mr Allen a grant for £500 to help him excel further, and secure further funding.

Joanna Brown, from Malvern, fell to her death, aged 30, while travelling in Siberia after visiting the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

After her death her brother Richard founded the trust to provide local people with an opportunity to experience and excel in sport.

The trust has since raised more than £90,000, and has announced Mr Allen is among the latest talented Worcestershire youngsters to benefit from a grant, helping towards his pursuit of sporting excellence.

Edward Lynn, the English Table Tennis Association’s disability officer for the West Midlands said: “Hopefully, in the next few months, he will break into the top 20 in the UK.

“This will put him in a very strong position, and would further justify any financial support possible.

“He will need a push to try to make his dreams a reality at some point, and with his commitment being as it is, nothing is impossible.”