Gavin Drysdale on his RaceRunner
An inspirational South Ayrshire schoolboy will be Great Britain's only representative this month – and Scotland's first ever competitor – in the European RaceRunning 2010 Championship in Denmark later this week.
Gavin Drysdale (9), a pupil from Ayr Grammar Primary, has been involved in RaceRunning – a disability sport where riders race on a three-wheeled bike by running rather than pedalling – since the age of 5.
Gavin, who has cerebral palsy, trains at South Ayrshire Council's Dam Park Stadium and recently recorded personal bests at the Scottish Disability Sport Open Junior Athletics Championships.
He is hoping to bring home a gold medal when he competes in the championships in Copenhagen.
Councillor Margaret Toner, South Ayrshire Council's portfolio holder with responsibility for sport, said: "I would like to congratulate Gavin on being the only British representative in the European RaceRunning 2010 Championship – he is a true ambassador not only for South Ayrshire and Scotland but for the entire country.
"We are delighted to support Gavin in his efforts and I am sure the hours he has put in at Dam Park will pay off. Taking part will be a great experience and we wish him all the luck in the world.
"Gavin is a real inspiration and I hope his achievements encourage others to give RaceRunning a try."
Gavin was born with low muscle tone, which means he has difficulty with all muscle movements. He loses his balance easily and uses a walker when outside, and has difficulty performing most day-to-day activities.
He is unable to speak clearly, but has several ways of communicating: he signs using Makaton sign language, with his electronic Vantage communication device or with simple gestures and a winning smile.
Mum, Margaret Drysdale, says there is no stopping Gavin once he gets on his bike.
She added: "Once he got to grips with his RaceRunner, his dad and I had to run to catch up and we've had to get on our bikes ourselves just to keep up with him! He loves getting out and about and we are delighted the Council is supporting him and has helped him prepare for this week's event.
"Like many boys his age, Gavin is determined to succeed and we hope his achievements will inspire others. When you watch him speed round the track, you can just see the fun and enjoyment he gets out of this sport and that is something Gavin very much wants for others – as well as a little competition!
"We are so proud of him and, regardless of how well he does in Copenhagen, he is always a winner in our eyes!"
As well as RaceRunning, Gavin is an active member of the local Boys Brigade, the school inclusion squad and various afterschool activities. And, like his peers, he loves to play sport on his video games console.
He also attends various events, public fun walks/runs, and disability fundraising events on his bike and is always keen to meet people and let them know about RaceRunning.
Speaking about his RaceRunner, Gavin said: "It helps me to run, race others, be more balanced, go faster and be part of more things".
For more information about the RaceRunner, or how your child could try one out, e-mail Colin Duthie, South Ayrshire Council's Additional Support Needs and Performance Officer, on colin.duthie@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or call him on 01292 294732.