Maria Brooks

1970 to 1974

Information

Started competing in Cerebral Palsy sports 1971, retired in 1987.

CP Class 2 National Wheelchair Slalom champion every year from 1974 until 1987.

1 gold, 2 silvers & 1 bronze at the 1982 World CP Championships in Denmark; 3 silvers & 2 bronze at the 1984 Paralympics in Long Island, USA; 1 gold at the 1985 European Championships in Belgium;

My events included: Wheelchair Slalom, 100m & 200m Wheelchair racing, 4x100m Wheelchair relay race, Distance Kick & Medicine Ball Thrust (two field events) and Wheelchair Soccer.

In 1981 won Sports in the South Disabled Sportswoman Achievement Award. Also received Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

In 1977 became the first severely disabled person in Milton Keynes to study at a local college of FE, gaining several qualifications including ‘O’ level Computer Studies.

In 1981 joined Neath Hill Professional Workshop (now Milton Keynes Resource Centre), run by Scope.  Trained as a computer programmer, ran a comprehensive database on Electronic & Computerised Equipment for Disabled People and gained a University of Keele Certificate in Information Technology.

In 1989 took up part time work with Milton Keynes Council’s Sports Development team.  While there, organised two Bucks Boccia Tournaments and set up a number of sporting activities for disabled people.

Over the past four years has been Chairperson of Scope’s Recreation Forum that enables people with severe disabilities to participate in Sporting and Recreational activities.  In 1996 gained the Community Sports Leaders Award.

In 1983 left home and moved into a flat run by Milton Keynes Community Care Service.  In 1994 achieved complete independence by moving into a John Grooms Housing Association bungalow and managing her own care.

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