Heading for Rio: LSBU student added to the 2016 ParalympicsGB team
London South Bank University (LSBU) student, Ashley Facey-Thompson, will represent Great Britain in the Table Tennis at the 2016 Rio ParalympicsAshley Facey-Thompson, who is studying Sports Coaching and Analysis BSc (Hons) at LSBU, has been selected to compete in the Table Tennis, Class 9 Individual and 9-10 team. This is a huge milestone for the 21-year-old, who made his international debut in 2009 and won his first National title in 2014.
Ashley is one of the additional seven British athletes who will compete for ParalympicsGB at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, following late selections by the British Paralympic Association (BPA). After narrowly missing out on selection earlier this year, Ashley’s place in the team is a result of the decision by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to withdraw membership from the Russian NPC and reallocate places to other nations.
“It was frustrating to miss out on qualification by one point and now to be in the team for Rio is amazing. It felt a bit surreal when I found out that I had been selected and it still doesn’t quite seem real. I’ve been training with the rest of the team throughout the summer so I feel prepared but now I’ve been selected and I’m in the team I feel really happy,” said Ashley.
Iain Killoughery, Senior Operations Manager of the LSBU Active, said: “We’re delighted that Ashley has been given the opportunity to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the 2016 Paralympic Games. This is such an incredible achievement and he is fully deserving of his place in the games. We will all be behind him and are looking forward to watching him showcase his talents.”
The Paralympics will begin on Wednesday 7 September in Rio. Ashley will strive for medal success competing in both the individuals and teams tournaments with his teammate Kim Daybell.
Ashley said: “Words can’t describe how I feel to have the opportunity to represent GB at a Paralympic Games, especially for my Mum and my family and everyone who has helped me. This is the biggest day of my life. I’m really excited but I’m going out there to do a job and represent my country so I’m going to enjoy the experience but also do what I need to do which is play my best table tennis and give it 100%.”
Keep track of the Rio 2016 Paralympics and learn more about the LSBU Active.