Paralympic hopefuls are getting ready to start the final leg of their sporting dream.
The curtain comes up on the most prestigious disabled sporting event in the world tomorrow and Essex is well represented at the event.
Hannah Stodel, who was born without a right forearm, is making history out on the water.
The Mersea Island youngster has already made her mark by being the first female sailor to earn selection for the team and will perform in the Sonar Class.
While Stodel will be battling out on the water two members of Colchester Pheonix's swimming club will be competing in it.
Natalie Jones and Fran Williamson will be going for honours in the pool.
WillIiamson will be taking part in the 200 metres, 100m, 50m freestyle and is involved in two of the relay teams while Natalie Jones competes in the 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke, 100m breastroke, 50m fly and one of the relay teams.
Tiptree resident Wendy Smith will be competing as part of the women's wheelchair basketball squad while Jonny Coggan from Chelmsford was selected for the wheelchair rugby team.
On the track Lloyd Upsdell from Great Dunmow will be looking to bring back gold again in T35 100m and 200m.
At the age of 17 Upsdell, who suffers from cerebral palsy, set new world records grabbing two gold medals at the Sydney Paralympics back in 2000
Published Thursday, September 16, 2004
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