To mark Disability History Month 2019, Bournemouth University, in partnership with AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust and Dorset Health Care, recently hosted Keryn Seal.
Keryn was the captain of England’s blind football team and he shared his experience of becoming a Paralympian and gave an insight into what fuels his motivation to succeed.
Attendees also had the opportunity to find out more about the work of AFC Bournemouth within the area of disability through a presentation provided by Steve Cuss, who is head of the Community Sport Trust.
Both talks were attended by university students, staff and the wider community including primary and secondary schools, with a range of questions being asked.
Reflecting on the talk, Dr Osman Ahmed, a senior lecturer said: “I was delighted for our students to be able to hear from a double Paralympian like Keryn.
“Sharing his stories on the dedication needed to reach those levels of performance was invaluable for them, and it was really useful for them to be aware of the challenges entering and transitioning out of disability sport.
“I am sure they will all be able to take some of those messages and principles into their future professional work.”
Dr Palfreman-Kay commented: “It was great to hear Keryn’s experiences and find out more about what is happening locally and nationally with disability football. I was also impressed the way in which the audience engaged with both talks.”
