McAlpine nominates wheelchair champ Shelby as ‘Local Hero’
Joan McAlpine has nominated local wheelchair champion Shelby Watson as her Local Hero.
Last month, all 129 MSPs were invited to nominate a constituent who makes a positive difference to the lives of others – often with little recognition – as their Local Hero.
Joan chose Shelby as she has long stood out as an ‘exceptional young woman’ who has overcome considerable challenges to set an example to others.
On Saturday 2 July, all Local Heroes will come to Holyrood as part of the Scottish Parliament’s Opening Ceremony events to mark the start of a new parliamentary session.
Joan said:
“As the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament gets underway, it’s right that the people of Scotland are placed at the heart of our events. I am thrilled to take Shelby as my Local Hero.
“Shelby’s achievements are truly inspirational. Shelby is 18 and was born with Cerebral Palsy. This means she cannot walk and has other disabilities. She has only been wheelchair racing for a few years but has already broken international records and collected gold medals for Scotland.
“Last month in Barcelona, Shelby broke world records in her T33 class of 100m and 200m – meaning she now holds 100/200/400/1500 world records!
“As well as conducting her own training she coaches younger children. She never lets her disability define her and is a very inspirational young woman.”
Shelby is currently raising funds so that she can compete in the Par World Challenge in Amsterdam. To donate, visit http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/get-shelby-to-amsterdam
Notes to editors:
Background information
Local Heroes have taken part in the opening ceremonies of the Scottish Parliament in 2007 and 2011. Amongst 2011’s Local Heroes were people who had:
- raised funds and collected vital home comforts for troops in Afghanistan;
- run a nightly soup kitchen and offered free meals to homeless people, and
- volunteered selflessly at a local hospice.
Big Day Out
For more information on the free events for all the family at the Big Day Out, visit: www.visitparliament.scot/big-day-out
To request a free leaflet with details and timings of the Big Day Out events, and other events taking place at Holyrood throughout the year, visit www.visitparliament.scot/keep-up-to-date
