The mother of Beverley Jones told how her daughter’s life had been transformed by sport as she competed in the discus final today.
Jones, who is competing in her fourth Games and also took part in the shot put, used to play disabled cricket for Wales before she found throwing. Gwenda Jones said her 37-year-old daughter, who has cerebral palsy, has gained confidence through sport, adding that she would be cheering her on at the Olympic Stadium where she was aiming for her first Paralympic medal in the discus F37 final today.
Mrs Jones, 55, a receptionist from Deeside, Flintshire, where Beverley also lives, said: “Sport has helped her, definitely. She’s become more articulate on a social level, she’s meeting people, socialising, it’s been great for her. It’s brought her out a lot, she’s more confident all round and more able socially. All that experience, travelling on her own, she’s more independent really.” She added: “Hopefully she’ll get a medal, she’s confident about the competition, it’s her favourite event.”
