CP Sport have collected a range of profiles from people with CP that participate in sport. We will be posting these profiles daily throughout CP Awareness Month (March) to celebrate positive stories and inspire people to take part in the future.
Name: Thomas Wilson
Role: Player/Trainer
Sport: Mixed ability Rugby and IMAS trainer
Clubs: Derby Rugby Club and Derby Bucks
How did that opportunity come for you to start participating in sport? After me asking Derby Rugby club multiple times why I couldn’t play rugby they finally provided a IMAS coach Mikey Hawks, and now we have a full mixed ability team of over 35 players. Being involved with IMAS led me into participating in squash.
What skills have you learnt or improved from participating in sport? Since playing the sport I love I now understand rugby and squash rules more, my mental and physical health has massively improved since playing mixed ability sport.
What are your ambitions in sport? In the future, I would like to become a coach for a Rugby mixed ability team. 
How have you benefitted from participating in sport? My fitness and confidence has improved a lot, I have lots of new friends now. I get to travel on tour to different places and try new things/sports being an IMAS trainer.
Why should other people should give your sport a try? Because it keeps you healthy and fit, you get to meet people and go to different places, your confidence will grow and it’s thoroughly enjoyable.
Are there any further opportunities you like to see be made available in your sport? More promotion to make people aware they can play rugby even if they have a disability, I am deaf and the only deaf person in my team would be nice to have more deaf people, also more coaching opportunities would be great.
