ParalympicsGB in November: What we've been up to

Sophie Christiansen, Ashley Facey and Gregg Stevenson all announced their retirement from Paralympic sport

Sophie’s equestrian career spanned no fewer than four Games, starting at Athens 2004 when she was just 16-years-old and continuing to Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016, winning a total of 10 medals of which eight were gold. Sophie won triple gold at London 2012 riding Janeiro 6 and at Rio 2016 this time with Athene Lindebjerg.

Gregg Stevenson made his Paralympic debut at Paris 2024 rowing in the PR2 Mixed Double Sculls alongside Lauren Rowles. The pair claimed gold in the French capital to add to their world and European titles together.

Two-time Paralympian Ashley Facey, who competed at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, announced his retirement from table tennis to take up a role as a sales rep with a company that makes orthopaedic implants.

“As an athlete I learnt how to grow from a boy to a man, be more professional and take ownership of my programme and I can take all these attributes and apply them to the working world. There’s a lot to learn but I’m looking forward to it,” said the 29 year old.

Paris 2024 Medallists at Buckingham Palace

ParalympicsGB’s Paris 2024 medallists were invited to Buckingham Palace to meet His Majesty The King and their Royal Highnesses the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Gloucester and celebrate their achievements at the Games.

Award winners

The 2024 Variety Disability Sports Awards saw 12 worthy winners recognized for their achievements this year, including a number of ParalympicsGB stars.

Three-time Paralympic champion Stephen Miller received the Outstanding Individual Achievement award for his fantastic sporting career in Para athletics, while Dame Sarah Storey and Sophie Christiansen both received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their remarkable accomplishments in Para cycling and Para equestrian respectively. The Outstanding Team Achievement award went to Paralympic, world and European rowing champions Gregg Stevenson and Lauren Rowles, while wheelchair tennis great Alfie Hewitt won the LTA Award for Sports Icon. Finally, Every Body Moves, ParalympicsGB’s online platform that connects disabled people with inclusive ways to move, won the Award for Innovation.

Super Movers for Every Body, ParalympicsGB’s exciting partnership with BBC Teach and the Premier League which was launched earlier this year, has been highly commended at the 2024 Teach Awards.

Super Movers For Every Body provides free online educational resources for school staff and children, with films featuring ParalympicsGB athletes and downloadable activities to get children moving. Equipment packs are also available for teachers to facilitate various inclusive fun activities such as boccia and blind football.

**In memory - James Rawson **

ParalympicsGB sends our sincere condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Para table tennis legend James Rawson who has passed away aged 59. James won an incredible five medals across five Paralympic Games, including gold at Barcelona 1992.