Solent Shark bears baton for Commonwealth Games 2014
Local sporting hero and Southampton Solent University lecturer Richard Cartwright has been announced as one of the Queen's Commonwealth Games Baton Bearers when the baton relay visits Southampton on 4 June 2014.
Richard is the captain and founding member of Team Solent Sharks, the only Wheelchair Rugby club in the South East, outside of London. Launched at Southampton Solent University 18 months ago, the club now boasts two teams, 22 members and trains at St Mary’s Leisure Centre.
Richard is one of six local sports men and women selected in recognition of their contribution to sport and the local community. They will carry the baton to a variety locations and events around the city as part of the countdown to Glasgow 2014.
Richard Cartwright says, “I am honoured to be nominated as Baton Bearer. Sport has always been an integral part of my life. When I first played Wheelchair Rugby in hospital, I forgot about being in a wheelchair, it was transformative.
“When I carry the baton I will be representing everyone involved at the wheelchair rugby club who make it possible; the players, volunteers, university staff and students.”
Team Solent Sharks are currently gearing up for this year’s Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby National Championships in May 2014. For more information on getting involved with the club, visit www.solentsharks.org.uk
The XX Commonwealth Games takes place in Glasgow from 23 July to 3 August. Commonwealth Games England is sending a 400-strong team to compete across the 17 sports.
The Queen’s Baton Relay in England is supported with National Lottery funding from Sport England.
Richard first tried Wheelchair Rugby in 2007 whilst an in-patient at Salisbury District Hospital. He trains three times a week with Team Solent Sharks, attracting a wide range of disabled athletes, genders and ages. If you are interested in speaking to Richard further, please contact the University press office.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9079 or press.office@solent.ac.uk
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students. It has been awarded ‘Gold approval’ by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
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