My name is Holly. I am 13 years old and I have learning difficulties. I have been doing judo since I was 8 at Westerleigh Judo Club.  I like doing judo because it makes me more confident and strengthens my muscles.

My mum nominated me for the Sports Development Awards. My judo coach and my headteacher both supported me. I was very happy to get the award.  My mum took me to the ceremony to collect my prize and my headteacher and my PE teacher from school came to watch me.  I was very proud of myself and so was my family.

I spent the £75 I won on paying towards going to Leicester for the Special Olympics in July 2009. There I won a gold medal and I won another gold medal in the team events. It felt fab to win. I was really proud of myself and could not stop smiling. I hope to be picked for the World Special Olympics in Athens, 2011.

Holly, 13, from St Leonard’s on Sea

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