CP Sport collected a range of profiles from people with CP that participate in sport, as well as profiles from coaches, physiotherapists and parents of players to use as promotional material during the #CPAwarenessMonth. We aim to encourage more people with CP to take part in sport by sharing positive stories and delivering opportunities. 
Name: Rio Boothe
Role: Athlete
Role: Athlete
Club: Manchester Harriers AC/LJMU Athletics Team
About me: I am 19. I am T37 para-athlete. The events I compete in are 100m/200m/Long Jumper. I have right sided hemiplegia.
How I have benefitted from playing sport: Playing sport has helped me so much in terms of my general confidence especially when talking about my athletics has disability. Doing athletics and training helps me to stay fit and in a structured routine which is important.
What would you say to others with CP about playing sport: Don’t see Cerebral Palsy as a bad thing or as a disadvantage, see it as something positive and embrace it, use it to your advantage and make a change. Just go for it or you’ll never know what your full potential is if you don’t try.
The impact sport has had on my life: Sport has had a massive impact on my life. From starting athletics back in lockdown, it has led me some amazing opportunities and experiences, including doing various campaigns for various charities such as, UPMovement and I have also done endless amount of voluntary work for CP sport which I absolutely love doing. Also, doing athletics has allowed me to meet and connect with some amazing athletes/coaches. I am also on the Sport Scholarship for my university Liverpool John Moore’s and I have recently represented them at the annual BUCS Indoor Athletics Championships where I competed in the Para Ambulant 60m and the Long Jump. Results: 60m: 5th overall with a Personal Best Long Jump: 3rd overall with a Season Best (SB) and bringing back a bronze medal. 
My ambitions in sport: My Sporting Ambitions are to get to the Paralympic Games in LA 2028 and win gold. Inspire as many people with Cerebral Palsy and disabilities in general to get into sport, removing the stigma and to help to increase people’s confidence and the participation rate.
Which other sports I would like to try given the opportunity: Snowsports – skiing or snowboarding.
If you are interested in pursuing opportunities in CP Sport – please check out our events page, or message us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
