Gavin welcomes local champion back home to Renfrewshire
Gavin Newlands, the Member of Parliament for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has welcomed Harry Lovett back home and congratulated the 16-year-old on his latest accolade after winning silver in Judo for Team GB at the Special Olympics in France last week.
Harry, from Bridge of Weir, is slowly losing his sight and suffers from a number of health conditions including cerebral palsy, autism, dyslexia, epilepsy and impaired hearing.
However, the local champion has let nothing stand in the way of success – Harry has met the Queen on her 80th birthday, carried the Queen’s Commonwealth Games baton on the day it returned to Scotland, competed in the British Judo Championships, won gold in the Swimming Nationals and, this week, won silver for Team GB in Judo at the Special Olympics.
Gavin Newlands, the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:
“I was absolutely delighted to welcome Harry back home this weekend and to have the opportunity to congratulate him in person on his latest success of taking silver in Judo for Team GB at the Special Olympics in France.
“Harry is a truly inspirational local champion – although he wouldn’t agree, as he is far too modest! His sheer determination and hard work have seen him overcome several health-related barriers in his life, go from strength to strength and achieve so many of his personal goals.
“I wish Harry the best of luck in his next competition in August when he will compete in the British Championships - no doubt he will bring another medal home!”
Harry Lovett, member of the Team GB Judo squad, commented:
“I was proud to be part of the Team GB squad in France and I fought hard to bring back my silver medal. During my second fight I subluxed my shoulder but, thankfully, it did not stop my winning the fight by an ippon.
“I will work hard and hope to be re-selected to the Special Olympics Great Britain team for Sheffield 2017!”
Fiona Lovett, Harry’s proud Mum, added:
“Harry’s drive, courage and determination is allowing him to overcome barriers placed in his way by his brain injury. His involvement in swimming and judo has shown him, and others, that you can anything as long as you keep striving for more.
“Harry’s vision is deteriorating, he is now registered blind and he has a wish list that he hopes to complete before he finally loses his sight.
“Gavin, our new MP, actually enabled Harrison to strike off something off that list before it was ever published – Harry wanted to be involved in a political campaign and see his candidate win!
“His sister and I are extremely proud of Harry and all that he has achieved, and we look forward to his next adventure!”
