Kare Adenegan - October Winner
Kare took up wheelchair racing in 2012 after being inspired by the Summer Paralympics in London. At school she found herself excluded from sports due to her Cerebral Palsy, but the Paralympics made her realise that sport was open to her. That year she joined a wheelchair academy in Coventry and, after becoming classified as a T34 athlete, she began competing at national meets in 2013.
At the age of 13 Kare was called into the GB wheelchair team as an elite wheelchair athlete and entered her first international competition winning a bronze medal at the Athletics Diamond League in 2014. Since 2015 Kare has won three Paralympic medals at the Rio Paralympic Games and five World Championship medals.
In July 2018, at the London Anniversary Games and Athletics Diamond League, Kare broke the World Record for the T34 100 metres race in 16:80 seconds. She is the only woman in the T34 to have completed the 100 metres under 17 seconds.
Along with sport, Kare also excels in her education. Whilst representing GB in championships Kare missed six weeks of her schooling. Despite this Kare achieved 8 A* in her GCSEs showing her determination and dedication to succeed, just two of the many qualities she applies to all aspects of her life.
Kare sets aside time from her education and busy training schedule to visit schools in Coventry and the UK and also supports local charitable work. She continues to support and raise funds for the UHWC Special Baby Unit, where she was born in 2000, in recognition of their dedication to saving lives and the rehabilitation of young children with disabilities.
Kare carries herself in a manner which defies her age. She is a true inspiration and role model for all. Her dedication and courage justly reflect her character and she is well deserving of this Good Citizen Award.