14-Year-Old Paralympic Medalist Bly Twomey Named Sports Personality of the Year

Rising star Bly Twomey, a 14-year-old Paralympian, has been named Sports Personality of the Year at the prestigious Sussex Sport & Physical Activity Awards. 

The awards ceremony, organised by Active Sussex and held on Thursday, November 28, celebrated exceptional sporting achievements in the region.

Bly made history at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, where she became Great Britain’s youngest-ever Paralympic table tennis medalist. 

At just 14, she captured the nation’s admiration by winning two bronze medals in the sport, marking a remarkable achievement on the global stage.

Her journey to Paralympic success began just two years ago, when she first picked up a table tennis bat at a multi-sport session hosted by Brighton Table Tennis Club. 

The session, aimed at children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as those who receive free school meals, was funded through Brighton & Hove’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. 

HAF, a key initiative designed to support physical activity during school holidays, played a pivotal role in providing Bly with the opportunity to develop her skills and pursue her passion.

Bly said of her award win: “Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone that participated in this award as there were some truly remarkable talents and everyone is inspiring people around the world.

“It was incredible to have a chance to see what everyone is doing in Sussex as I didn’t believe there were as many talents as I saw on this night.

“It means so much to be nominated and even WIN!!! this award, to know that I’m inspiring people to get into sport and hopefully find the thing they love to do.

“Brighton Table Tennis Club has been a massive impact on making me who I am today.

“They are so supportive. 150 of Brighton TTC came to the Paralympics to support me, Will and the squad.

“There’s no better club in the world than them, and I’m really proud to have them by my side.

“The people at this club are not fussed that I have a disability and haven’t stared at my foot ever since I started – people usually do.

“Will Bayley has been my biggest inspiration ever since I started, always believing in me to reach the top.

“Lastly, my family especially my mum and sister they have been incredible, and I couldn’t have done any of this without them. My sister always gives me inspirational speeches, and my mum always says ‘have fun’ before every match.”

Since her success, Bly has become a dedicated advocate for inclusivity in sports. 

She now volunteers her time regularly at Brighton Table Tennis Club, supporting their HAF and wider community programmes. 

These initiatives focus on engaging children from marginalised backgrounds, including refugees, asylum seekers, children with special educational needs, and looked-after children.

Bly’s journey is a testament to the power of grassroots sports and the impact of inclusive initiatives that foster talent and create opportunities for young people in our communities. 

Her award at the Sussex Sport & Physical Activity Awards is a recognition of not only her sporting achievements but also her commitment to giving back and inspiring others.