UK Lottery Draw: Champion Athlete Josie Pearson
All the sport venues for the event have been officially handed over to the event’s organisers and athletes all over the world are in preparation for what, for many, will be the biggest event in their sporting lives.
Many British athletes are also funded by the UK lottery draw.
Josie Pearson from Wales has always been sporty as she was passionate about horse riding. In 2003 however she broke her neck in a car accident that also killed her boyfriend but was determined to continue in sport. Just after her accident Josie watched the Athens Olympics on television and decided to be a competitor. It was not long before Josie became a wheelchair athlete, competing in the 100 metre, 200 metre and 400 metre sprint events.
This week, she will be going to New Zealand to compete in the World Athletics Championships expecting to win medals. But this is simply preparation for the Olympics in July when it is expected she will represent her country with even greater success.
This determined athlete, who has just turned 26 years old, is grateful for the support given to her by the UK lottery draw. “The contribution of the National Lottery’s players is paramount to the existence of our sport but it goes well beyond just funding in that it creates a legacy of opportunity for young athletes to pursue their aspirations and dreams. The funding is the foundation of the future,” Josie says.
When you buy your tickets for the British National Lottery, you may pause to think how you are helping athletes like Josie Pearson.
















