A TALENTED young sportsman is fundraising in his efforts to achieve his dream of competing at a major global event.

Fourteen-year-old William Bishop, from Llanrhaeadr, has established a goal of competing in the Paralympic Games and he is looking to raise funds to purchase a new sports wheelchair.

Myddelton College pupil William has mild cerebral palsy and he is a dedicated sportsman.

He is currently working hard both within the community and at his school in order to raise £4,661 for a new sports wheelchair to help him reach his potential in wheelchair basketball.

With fundraising having started and a new sponsorship deal from Celtic Strength Cerebral Palsy Fitness Studio, in Pwllglas, some £2,800 is still required to meet the target.

William said: “Wheelchair basketball means the world to me and is a huge passion of mine!

"I’ve been lucky enough to have some amazing experiences with basketball and hope to have many more in the future, however I need a new chair to achieve my potential and play to the very best of my ability.

"That’s why I’ve set up a GoFundMe page to help me to be able to get a new chair and achieve my goals.

"I would really appreciate it if people could donate and or share the link to help towards getting my new basketball wheelchair.

"It would mean a lot and would help a great deal.”

William’s successes in wheelchair basketball, so far, have included playing for Wales three times in the Lord Taverner’s Junior League, winning two silver medals and one bronze in the process; being vice-captain of Wales U-14s; being part of the North Wales Knights U-15 and U-18 British champion teams and being the young inspiration award winner at the 2018 Denbighshire Community Sport Awards.

“It will help me to achieve my true potential and help towards my dreams of being a brilliant wheelchair basketball player," he added.

"I would love to be in the Paralympics.

"I feel that this bespoke chair will enhance my game and suit my role within the team.

"I will be a lot taller and be able to make a bigger impact on court.

"I feel like I will be able to reach the next level with this chair.”

Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/sports-wheelchair-for-william for more information.

If anybody would like to benefit from playing wheelchair basketball, e-mail mikewbnw@gmail.com or go to Rhyl Leisure Centre at 5.30pm on a Tuesday evening.