Deafblind Lincolnshire teen selected as Olympic torchbearer
09 December 2011
Deafblind Lincolnshire teen Jack Hodgson, 15, is celebrating the news that he’s set to be an Olympic torchbearer, after receiving an offer from the London 2012 Games organisers.
Jack, from Gainsborough, has Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition that means he was born deaf and is losing his sight as he gets older.
Despite having just ten degrees of vision remaining, Jack is a keen sportsman and was nominated as a torchbearer following numerous achievements, including being selected for the England Judo Squad this year.
Jack, who is set to bear the flame along the Grimsby to Lincoln stretch of its national route, often acts as a young ambassador for Sense, and has taken part in a number of sporting fundraising activities including a charity abseil.
Jack said: “I’m really excited about holding the torch. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Sport means a lot to me, so to be a part of the Games is really special.”
But as the young Special Needs Judo champion and number three in the country against able-bodied opponents, Sense hopes we might be seeing more of Jack in future Olympics Games!
Jack is the first deafblind person to let us know he has been selected If you’ve been chosen or know someone else who has, please share your news!