Bejing trip by Paralympic sporting hopeful James

Aug 14 2008 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

A KEEN sportsman from Rhos-on-Sea who has his sights set on competing in the London 2012 Paralympics is heading for Beijing to see how this year’s event is run and meet some of the people taking part.

James Lusted, 20, who works at police headquarters in Colwyn Bay, topped the tables at the recent Dwarf Athletic National British Games at both badminton and five-a-side football.

The web designer was the only Welsh representative to compete at the event held in Walsall near Birmingham.

James, who has diastrophoic displasia, a form of dwarfism, enjoyed the competition where he competed in badminton singles, rifle shooting, table tennis and five-a-side football, against 147 athletes from all over the UK.

He said then: “My main ambition is to compete in London in 2012 and I’m hoping I will be chosen to take part.”

James is one of five young competitors from Wales being funded to visit Beijing by the British Council.