Anthony Hughes MBE

Anthony Hughes, MBE, a passionate coach and athlete who was a towering figure in the development of Para sport in Wales has passed away aged 63.

Hughes, who also competed in the shot put and javelin at the Barcelona 1992 Paralympics, was Disability Sport Wales’ Performance Manager and was a driving force in ensuring Wales was at the forefront of Para sport development.

Hughes coached a host of Welsh athletes including Aled Sion Davies, Josie Pearson, Hollie Arnold, guiding them to Paralympic gold medal success

Penny Briscoe OBE, Chef de Mission of ParalympicsGB at multiple Games, said: “I am not sure I have ever worked with, or been a teammate of, anyone quite as passionate and committed to Para sport as Anthony Hughes. “Hughesy” you will be missed by so many.”

He joined Disability Sport Wales in 1999 and was named Sport Wales Coach of the Year in 2011, inducted into the UK Coaching Hall of Fame in 2012 and awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2013.

A statement from Disability Sport Wales said:

“He was a loving father and brother, our Performance Manager, friend, colleague athlete, coach and an absolute advocate, champion and ambassador for disability sport in Wales and across the World. His reach and impact was unsurpassed.

“His determination to ensure everyone achieved their potential through opportunity and equity were unparalleled and made a difference to so many hundreds and thousands of lives.”