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: Sean Delaney
Role: Athlete (Runner)
Role: Athlete (Runner)
Club: Loughborough Students and Armagh AC
About me: 
I am 19 years old and a T37 athlete. I was born in Craigavon N.Ireland 10.5 weeks early and developed a intraventricular haemorrhage which eventually required a shunt. Additional complications resulted in my left sided weakness (hemiplegia or Cerebral Palsy). In 2014 I moved to the USA and was introduced to Cross Country and Track & Field. It never bothered me coming last in every race but I knew I wanted to improve. Eventually I started to progress and use my body in a way to get better results. I started High School (Cathedral HS, Indianapolis) in 2018 and that’s when things started to change. Coach Nohl and Coach Hocker were an inspiration. In that first year I was running with Cole Hocker (Tokyo 1500m finalist) and I suddenly realised what it required to be good. In 2022 I was ranked UK number 1 in 1500m (all time number 3), number 1 in Parkruns (all time number 2) and number 2 for 800m I am now studying at Loughborough and being supported by the best coaches to help me get to the next level. Last Month I was selected for the 2022/23 England Talent Paralympic Pathway
I am 19 years old and a T37 athlete. I was born in Craigavon N.Ireland 10.5 weeks early and developed a intraventricular haemorrhage which eventually required a shunt. Additional complications resulted in my left sided weakness (hemiplegia or Cerebral Palsy). In 2014 I moved to the USA and was introduced to Cross Country and Track & Field. It never bothered me coming last in every race but I knew I wanted to improve. Eventually I started to progress and use my body in a way to get better results. I started High School (Cathedral HS, Indianapolis) in 2018 and that’s when things started to change. Coach Nohl and Coach Hocker were an inspiration. In that first year I was running with Cole Hocker (Tokyo 1500m finalist) and I suddenly realised what it required to be good. In 2022 I was ranked UK number 1 in 1500m (all time number 3), number 1 in Parkruns (all time number 2) and number 2 for 800m I am now studying at Loughborough and being supported by the best coaches to help me get to the next level. Last Month I was selected for the 2022/23 England Talent Paralympic PathwayThe impact sport has had on my life: Sport has given me a purpose and an identity. It has given me a confidence to exceed in all areas of my life. I have also found I perform best with routines and running has given me that regular schedule which act like an anchor. Any sport always comes with a social network, healthy routines, and opportunities to travel.
What would you say to others with CP about playing sport: Never give up, it takes time and perseverance. Having a disability puts you at an advantage because you become used to overcoming difficulties which other people struggle with when they face adversities.
How I have benefited from playing sport: Initially my parents involved me in sport to help me physically but as I grow older the benefits are much greater. It helps my levels of concentration especially when studying.
My ambitions in sport: Compete in the Paralympics, hopefully I qualify for Paris but definitely LA 2028.
Which other sports I would like to try given the opportunity: I can ski, swim, cycle…maybe skydiving or boxing.
If you are interested in pursuing opportunities in CP Sport – please check out our events page, or message us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
