A THREE-time Paralympian has thrown his support behind a project teaching Coventry and Warwickshire’s young people life values through rugby.
Leamington-based Mandip Sehmi, a former Team GB wheelchair rugby player, has been named as an ambassador of Coventry Sports Foundation’s Engage programme.
Using a combination of classroom and rugby activities, the initiative educates primary school pupils about teamwork, respect, integrity, and discipline.
The 36-year-old’s addition to the project is another boost for Coventry’s City of Rugby project, which aims to make Coventry a world leader in rugby by 2023.
Mandip has more than 15 years of experience playing wheelchair rugby after being introduced to the sport while recovering from a life-changing car accident in 2000.
He has since represented his country at the Beijing, London, and Rio paralympic games.
As ambassador, Mandip will visit primary schools across the region to talk about his own journey and inspire others.
He said: “Rugby has made such a massive difference to my life and helped me to overcome personal adversity.
“I want other people to know that with the right attitude they can achieve whatever they want to be.
“Out of all the sports and activities I took part in during my rehabilitation wheelchair rugby was by far the best for me.
“It was so rewarding, and I quickly realised the strength and confidence I was developing from being part of a team.”
