Cambell Plant - CP Sport Swimmer.

Cambell Plant is a 17 year-old cerebral palsy swimmer from Nottingham. We asked Cambell about her involvement in CP Sport and what difference it has made to her life.

Cambell, please can you tell me about when and how you first got involved with CP Sport?

I've been involved for ages now! I think I was about 11 years old when I first started swimming in the competitive events. When I was younger, I also went to athletics training and went to a CP Sport Athletics Championship at Harvey Hadden Sports Centre. I got a junior CP Sport record in the 100m! I only swim now as it requires a lot of time.

What do you like most about being involved with CP Sport?

I really like the opportunities CP Sport provides, specifically in swimming. They provide national galas which are a great opportunity to compete as there aren't many comparable competitions in a year. They also organise training events which are excellent because the coaches are very experienced with CP swimmers and understand our difficulties and can offer really useful advice. Being part of CP sport has also been a great chance to make lots of new friendships, especially with girls. It's great to feel like you don't need to explain yourself or your disability and you can just be yourself and relax. I sometimes feel inadequate because of my disability and have received some stick over the years and it's at events like the ones CP sport run that you realise that it's not about you but other people's lack of understanding. They have helped to improve my confidence and to experience new things. My family are a big part of me as well and they enjoy seeing me compete at CP swimming events and the socialising they get to do with other families. I know my mum has been involved in some of the fundraising events and enjoys the CP Sport pub quizzes.

What have you achieved from being involved in CP Sport?

I have won lots of medals at various local, regional, national and international events, including 4 gold medals at the DSE Junior Championships in February 2011 and 2 bronze medals at the DSE British Internationals in April 2010. I was made Girl's Champion at East Midlands Regional Disability Swimming Championships 2010. I like to think that my involvement in CP Sport has contributed to my success. CP Sport has also helped me to make friendships with other CP swimmers and have given me a lot of encouragement. The swimming coaches at CP Sport have always encouraged me and helped me to see that I had potential as a swimmer.

Lastly, what would say to encourage riders to raise money for Cerebral Palsy Sport and the other official charities at this year's Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride?

I have always loved sport and it's hard to get involved with it when you have a disability like cerebral palsy. As you get older and by the time you reach my age it is virtually impossible to participate in sport with people of a similar age and have fun. CP Sport has allowed me and others to carry on enjoying sport which is fun as well as healthy. It also allows us to connect with each other as sometimes it can seem like you are the only one in the world with CP and no one understands. CP Sport provides so many opportunities at all levels and is a great charity which needs the support to help people like me achieve and find somewhere that they belong and have fun!