Bly Twomey, a 14-year-old from Brighton & Hove, is one of the youngest members of ParalympicsGB representing the country at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.
Bly began playing table tennis in 2021 at a multi-sport session hosted by Brighton Table Tennis Club for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those that receive free school meals.
The session was organised as part of our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
The HAF programme is funded by the Department for Education to provide free holiday activity clubs for school-aged children and young people, from Reception to Year 11, who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Activities in our HAF programme include sports, performing arts, coding, playschemes, and more. Children attending HAF sessions also receive a free nutritious meal.
Bly made her international debut in March 2023 and won her first medal 2 months later with a bronze at the Polish Para Open.
After winning a second bronze at the 2023 European championships in Sheffield, Bly secured her first gold in November at the French Para Open.
Bly attends Cardinal Newman Catholic School who are very supportive of her table tennis career and she trains regularly with World champion Will Bayley who is also based in Brighton.
Bly said: “It still hasn’t sunk in yet, but I’m really excited to see the atmosphere in Paris and see how everything goes.
“I didn’t think I’d be going to the Paralympics so soon as I’ve only been playing table tennis for 3 years, so I’m really proud to be able to say that I’ve gone to the Paralympics at such a young age.”
Catch Bly in action in the doubles matches starting on Thursday 29 August and the women’s singles starting on Tuesday 3 September on Channel 4.
Councillor Emma Daniel, Lead Member for Children, Families and Learning, said: “I’d like to wish Bly the very best of luck at the Paralympics – to be competing internationally just 3 years after first picking up a table tennis bat is an incredible achievement.
“It’s heartwarming to know that Bly discovered her talents at a summer holiday club hosted by Brighton Table Tennis Club as part of our HAF programme.
“HAF is all about encouraging children and young people to try new things and meet new people while staying active during the school holidays.
“Bly is a fantastic example of how these sessions can help young people in Brighton & Hove discover their potential and achieve greatness. Well done, Bly!”
