Teen overcomes disability to help others

This article is published in today's Nottingham Post:

Teen overcomes disability to help others

A teenager who has overcome his own disability to help others into canoeing and kayaking has been nominated for an award.

Matthew Baines, 17, suffers from cerebral palsy but regularly volunteers at the 4A's centre – Adventure Activities for All Abilities – where he helps young people under 25 who are visually impaired, have physical disabilities or learning difficulties.

Matthew, of Edward Avenue, Newark, also helps raise cash for the club by bag-packing and writing presentations about 4A's work.

He volunteers at Newark Town Football Club and is an ambassador for disability sport within Notts.

The kayak champion has been nominated for a Young People of the Year award for his efforts. The awards recognise how young people go the extra mile to help out in their communities.

Matthew has competed at national and international level in kayaking. He achieved three gold medals and two silver medals at the National Championships at Holme Pierrepont in September, and is the boys champion for his ability.

He represented Great Britain at the European sprint canoeing championships in 2008 and, as a member of the para-canoeing squad, hopes to compete in the World Sprint Championships in Poznan, Poland, this August.

Matthew, who won Canoe England's volunteer award for impact on disability for volunteering to help others with kayaking, was nominated for the Young People of the Year award by Julie Lowe, chair and coach of the 4As.

She said: "He is always willing and al all-round helper.

"He is so enthusiastic. He wants others to get as much out of canoeing as he has done.

"He is a very good communicator who gets on with anybody of any age, regardless of any disability or difficulty they may have.

"He is an excellent ambassador for sport and for people with disabilities, and a great role model for other young people. A lot of the younger members of the club look up to him."

This is the fourth year of the Young People of the Year awards in Notts. Winners can receive £500 for their chosen charity and up to £1,000 for themselves.

For more information, see www.yopey.org