Noel Thatcher MBE becomes Patron for British Blind Sport

With just over 30 days until the start of the Paralympic Games, British Blind Sport is delighted to announce renowned visually impaired Paralympic athlete, Noel Thatcher MBE, as its new Patron.

Noel represented the United Kingdom at the Paralympics for long distance running in 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004, winning a total of five golds during that time. His career highlights are winning gold and setting a world record at Barcelona in 1992, and winning the 5k race in Sydney in 2000, again setting a world record.  One of his proudest moments was at the 2004 games in Athens when he carried the flag for the Great Britain team at the opening ceremony.

His achievements at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta earned him an MBE in the 1997 New Year Honours for his services to athletics for disabled people. He was inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Essex resident and physiotherapist Noel is no stranger to BBS, having been a long standing member of the organisation and often crediting BBS athletics youth events as the kick start his sporting career.

Noel Thatcher says:

"I am delighted and honoured to be a patron of British Blind Sport.  This incredible organisation started me on my path to Paralympic success.  When I first participated in a BBS VI schools athletics championships as a young person, I could never have imagined the impact it would have had on my life. With the Games almost upon us, there has never been a greater opportunity to raise the profile of our blind and VI sportsmen and women. At the same time, with few VI athletes making the team and access to sport a challenge for many, there is a great deal of work to be done. I will be happy to serve BBS in whatever capacity I can.”

Alaina MacGregor, Chief Executive Officer for BBS says:

“Noel embodies everything about British Blind Sport, from his passion for the difference that sport can make, to the sheer talent and hard graft on which he has built his astonishing career. His experience from grassroots participation to podium means he has some amazing and moving stories to tell.  He is a great ambassador for what can be achieved and no doubt will be an inspiration to visually impaired people across the UK, and in particular for our younger members to look up to and aspire to emulate. We are incredibly proud to have him on board.”

For further information, please contact Alaina on 01926 424247 or visit British Blind Sport's website