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Paralympian Ade Adepitan MBE first Ambassador for Every Parent and Child charity
Retired Paralympian Ade Adepitan MBE has become the first Ambassador for the learning needs charity – Every Parent and Child (EPC). The charity works with young people, with special educational needs, and their families to ensure that they get the best possible outcomes at school and at home.
On joining in this exciting role, Ade says, “At the age of 12, I was introduced to wheelchair basketball and independent living by an east London based charity that worked with disabled children and young people. Based on their support, I was able to achieve many of my dreams later in life. I recognise that same philosophy at Every Parent and Child – to support children and young people to develop and thrive in life. I am delighted to be part of the charity and look forward to helping them grow and support more people.”
Jaspal Dhani. Chief Executive of EPC said: “We are so pleased to have Ade on board, a great role model for young people and a true inspiration. As an Ambassador, Ade will help us reach a new audience and there are exciting times ahead. As we look to expand our services and develop new programmes we will have the support of an experienced sportsman who has overcome vast challenges in his life – just like the children and young people we work with.”
For requests for interviews or more information contact Jaspal Dhani on 020 8373 6323 or email jaspal.dhani@epandc.org.uk
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Notes to Editors
Every Parent and Child
Every Parent & Child (formerly Enfield Parents & Children) is a registered charity working for the benefit of children, young people and families in the London Borough of Enfield and surrounding areas. We offer services to children, young people and their families to support with advising on accessing educational provision for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, applying for school places, young people’s mental health and wellbeing and skills and confidence building.
Our Mission is to offer children in our community opportunities to learn, develop and thrive.
Ade Adepitan MBE biography
Ade has become a familiar face on TV as a presenter on the Travel Show, Unreported World, One Show, Channel 4 coverage of the Beijing, London and Rio Paralympics and, recently, he led the Channel 4’s coverage of the World Para Athletics Championships.
A retired Paralympian, Ade discovered wheelchair basketball when he was twelve. During his early career Ade had one burning ambition, to win a medal in the Paralympics for Great Britain. This dream came true when he was as selected to compete in the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games.
Ade continued to represent Great Britain, for five more years after Sydney. In that time he won a bronze, and a silver medal, at the 2002 and 2005 European championships. He also captained his country to a silver medal, at the 2002 World championships in Kitakyushu Japan. In 2004 Ade Adepitan achieved his lifelong ambition, winning a medal at the Athens Paralympics.
In 2005 Paralympic World Cup held in Manchester, UK, Ade assisted GB to win Gold by scoring a free-throw in overtime. He also captained his country to a Silver medal, at the 2002 World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan.
Adding to his 2005 wins, Ade was a member of the GB bid team that secured travelled to Singapore and helped the UK win the London 2012 Paralympic, and Olympic games. In the same year Ade was also awarded the MBE for his contribution to disability sport.