School children meet inspirational blind man (From Your Local Guardian)
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School children meet inspirational blind man
1:00pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in Sutton
Steve Cunningham and Foster with Manor Park pupils
Primary school children received an inspirational visit from the “fastest blind man on earth”.
Children at Manor Park Primary School met record-breaker Steve Cunningham and his guide dog Foster on Wednesday, February 1.
Mr Cunningham went blind when he was 12 years old but this did not stop him achieving his dreams.
After his career with Aston Villa football club was cut short, he refused to give up his passion for sport.
He became a founder member and captain of the England Blind Football team, held the 100m World Junior Blind Sprint title and was a member of the England Blind Cricket team and the UK Athletics team.
The self-proclaimed "fastest blind man on earth," smashed the blind land speed record and set new onshore and offshore powerboat records before taking to the skies to become the world’s first blind pilot.
He spoke to the pupils about breaking down barriers and the importance of believing that you can achieve your goals.
They watched video clips of Mr Cunningham flying planes, driving fast cars and boats, and had the opportunity to ask him questions.
Mr Cunningham said: “Breaking records is far easier than breaking the barriers we set ourselves, and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to visit the wonderful pupils at Manor Park Primary School to show them that they really can achieve anything if they put their mind to it.
“It was a fabulous morning, and I am really honored that they have invited me in.”
Councilor Kirsty Jerome, executive member for education and schools on Sutton Council, said: “Mr Cunningham is a truly inspirational man.
“Meeting someone who has overcome barriers and achieved so much is a great opportunity for pupils, and I hope that it has helped them to think about how they will achieve their own aims.”
Danny, a year 6 pupil, said: “I learnt that you might think you can’t do something but you can, just go for it and do it.”
