From Holiday Club to Paralympics: Brighton Teenager's Table Tennis Journey

Bly Twomey, a 14-year-old from Brighton & Hove, is set to become one of the youngest members of ParalympicsGB, representing the country at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.

Bly's journey to the Paralympics began in 2021 at a multi-sport session organised by Brighton Table Tennis Club for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those eligible for free school meals. This session was part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, a Department for Education initiative offering free holiday clubs for school-aged children from Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals.

The HAF programme, which provides a range of activities including sports, performing arts, coding, and playschemes, also offers a free nutritious meal to participants. Bly's attendance at one of these sessions sparked her love for table tennis, setting her on an incredible path.

In March 2023, Bly made her international debut, followed just two months later by her first medal – a bronze at the Polish Para Open. She went on to win another bronze at the 2023 European Championships in Sheffield, before securing her first gold medal at the French Para Open in November.

Bly, a student at Cardinal Newman Catholic School, receives strong support from her school for her table tennis career. She also regularly trains 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 three years. So I'm really proud to be able to say that I've gone to the Paralympics at such a young age."

Bly will compete in the doubles matches starting on Thursday 29 August and the women's singles starting on Tuesday 3 September, both of which will be broadcast on Channel 4.

Councillor Emma Daniel, Lead Member for Children, Families and Learning, expressed her support for Bly, stating: "I'd like to wish Bly the very best of luck at the Paralympics – to be competing internationally just three years after first picking up a table tennis bat is an incredible achievement."

She continued, "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!"