Olympic medal winner and TV presenter Roger Black has become a Patron of Treloar’s, the School and College for students with severe and complex disabilities based in Hampshire.
Roger will work closely with Treloar’s aspiring Paralympians providing a unique blend of athletics expertise, motivation and moral support in the run up to London 2012 and beyond. Roger joins Jeff Stelling, Michael Aspel and Alan Titchmarsh on Treloar’s Board of Patrons.Tony Reid, Chief Executive, Treloar Trust, said: “Treloar’s provides great support to its 300 plus students. But it also challenges students to question stereotypes and aspire to greater things, often through sporting activity.
“We’re delighted that Roger has become a patron. From his success on the athletics track in the 1990s through to his burgeoning TV career, Roger has shown what can be achieved through a combination of talent and hard work. We believe he can be an inspiration to our students, many of whom face tough challenges on a day-to-day basis.”
Roger Black said: “I really look forward to working with the students and staff at Treloar’s. Physical activity clearly plays a huge role in School and College education. Be it Boccia, athletics or swimming, sport helps improve student self esteem and motivates them to achieve greater ambitions.”
Roger’s greatest individual achievement in track and field was in the1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, when he won the silver medal for the 400m. In recognition of his achievements he was awarded the MBE in 1992. Since retiring from athletics Roger has worked as a television presenter and motivational speaker. He has regularly worked for the BBC on Grandstand and was team captain on classic television show 'Superstars'. He has also taken part in the successful reality shows Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Masterchef.
Treloar’s has an impressive pedigree of training potential Paralympic athletes. For example, students Craig Dewart and Ben McGifford have both competed at regional and national athletics events in the last year. In recognition of Treloar’s success in this area, Treloar’s won the coveted Daily Telegraph Sports Matters award for Excellence in Disabled Sport in 2008.
Treloar’s also had a number of athletes at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics. Former students David Smith, Dan Bentley and Ben Rushgrove all won medals at the 2008 Paralympics. Ben Rushgrove won a silver medal in the T36 100m race despite breaking his foot. David Smith and Dan Bentley both won gold in Boccia. Treloar’s hopes to repeat this success at the London 2012 Paralympics.
Treloar's School and College for physically disabled children and young people support around 300 students each year. Treloar students have complex and sometimes multiple physical disabilities. They may also have a communication, or sensory impairment or associated learning difficulties.
