This weeks guest blog features an athlete who has been involved in DSActive sessions for years, playing football and tennis with Fulham Foundation. Tom has also recently gained employment via the Down’s Syndrome Associations WorkFit programme.
What is your name?
My Name is Tom.
Do you like sports?
I love sports!
What skills have you learnt in sports?
I have learnt cricket, football and tennis skills but I have also learnt about teamwork, focus, good communication, overcoming challenges, making decisions and independence.
What are your favourite sports?
My favourite sports are Football and Tennis.
Do you enjoy sports? If so, why?
I enjoy sports because I like meeting with all of my friends, three times a week, and I love all of the extra things [events] the sports bring too. I like playing sports outdoors, even when its raining!
Do you enjoy playing for Fulham Badgers?
I love playing for Fulham Badgers as I am a Fulham Football Fan! I like going to Motspur Park every Friday and sometimes I’ve seen the first team players which has been great. I have been a season ticket holder for years and I hope one day I may be the Fulham Manager.
Who is your favourite Fulham player/ coach?
My favourite player is Aleksandar Mitrovic and I like Coach Andrew.
What new sports would you like to try?
I like swimming and would like to do more swimming.
What do you eat before playing sports?
Sometimes I have a little snack before sports if I’m hungry but I usually eat after the sports.
What’s your favourite meal?
My favourite meal is steak, skinny chips and broccoli. I don’t like puddings except for vanilla ice cream.
How is your job?
My job is brilliant. I am an office messenger in a law firm in London and I take all the post to everyone.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I love travelling independently on the train. I love the department I work in. They are all very kind. I also like meeting everyone when I take the post round. The people I work with are fun because they like football too so we can chat about that at lunchtime!
Would you like to say anything else?
I would like to thank everyone at the DSA and Fulham Football Foundation for helping me to do my sports and learn new things.
Thank you Tom for taking the time to write a blog for DSActive.
If you have a story about something you enjoy doing to be healthier, we want to hear about it!
Please email us at dsactive@downs-syndrome.org.uk to find out how your story could be on our website.
WorkFit is the Down’s Syndrome Association’s employment initiative which bridges the gap between employers and candidates with Down’s syndrome. WorkFit aims to find the right role for the candidate, with the right level of support for success by working with the employer to provide training for them and support them to develop suitable opportunities. WorkFit also works with candidates to promote their skills and abilities and to provide them with the support they may need for the exciting challenges that lie ahead.
