Danny Crates was guest at The Ramsey College, Halstead, on Thursday 20^th September where he presented certificates to students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 for their academic achievement, effort and progress.

Essex born Danny, who is the Essex Flame Ambassador, is one of the UK’s highest profile Paralympic heroes. The pinnacle of his career was claiming Gold in the T46 class at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens. Danny is able to look back on a glittering career that saw him attain European Championship and Paralympic World Cup winner’s medals, as well as world records, thereby taking gold at every major meeting in Paralympic athletics.

Essex County Councillor Stephen Castle, Cabinet Member for Education, Life Long Learning and the 2012 Games commented:  “Danny is an inspiration to everyone he meets.  He is a perfect ambassador to Inspire a Generation of young Essex students to be the best they can be, in whatever field they enter.  Tonight’s prize giving award ceremony showed what a talented lot our young people are, and I congratulate all of them on their achievements”

Danny who brought the Paralympic Lantern into school added:  “It was a privilege to meet these young people, and to see the great stuff they are doing.  In my role as Essex Flame Ambassador I am looking forward to meeting more young people and getting them involved in sport – at whatever level”

Daniel Gee, Headteacher of The Ramsey College stated: “I would like to congratulate our students on their many successes. It is wonderful for them to be recognised in such a high profile event and to meet such an inspirational man as Danny.”