This is a great video which helps to educate people about dwarfism. It challenges the myths and encourages an understanding that people born with dwarfism have the same jobs, daily routines, passions for sport and family life aspirations as everyone else.
I remember meeting Nichola who features in this video when my son was just four months old. I was always impressed by her positive outlook on life. Seeing her as a professional woman and mother who just happened to be born with achondroplasia like my son gave me such encouragement that my baby would one day be able to achieve whatever he put his heart and mind to.
Competitive sport has become part of my seven year old’s life because of the work of the Dwarf Sports Association (DSA) which has given him opportunities to compete against his peers. The reality for Samuel amongst his peers at school is that he will always be disadvantaged in a running race or sporting competition as his legs are shorter. However at the DSA annual games event in Birmingham, UK, he can do athletics and team sports and have a good chance of winning.
Samuel returned from the DSA this year with a medal for every event he competed in, this was such a boost and encouragement for him. Ellie Simmonds (GB Paralympic swimmer), and Patron of the DSA even presented him with one of his medals.
(Samuel’s medals- Gold: 20 metres running, Silver: 10 metres running, Silver: new age curling, Silver: cycling, Gold: football, Gold: hockey)
