Ashleigh Hellyer: Swansea 2014

My name is Ashleigh Hellyer. I am 22 years old and compete in Shot Putt. I currently sit 12th in the World rankings and 4th in the European rankings.

Ashleigh in his GB kit

I was delighted to find out that Swansea would be the host city of the IPC Athletics Europeans in 2014. I have travelled the world competing  and I am so pleased that it will be coming to Wales and its only 5 miles from where I live. For me personally to have the opportunity to compete on home soil in front of family and friends and the people of Swansea has given me a massive incentive to continue training as hard as I possibly can in order for me to qualify.

It is a great confidence boost with a large home support behind me, seeing familiar faces and hearing familiar voices in the crowd. I believe that after the success of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and the way the Swansea public supported the Paralympic touch relay, I have no doubt that the nation will be well supported.

I think that Swansea is the perfect city to host the 2014 European championships for many reasons; the sporting facilities that Swansea has to offer will be hugely beneficial to all the athletes. The indoor athletics track will cater for all track and field events; there are multiple gyms to use as athletes prepare to compete. Also in down-time, Swansea can offer beautiful coastlines and scenery for everyone to enjoy.

This is also a fantastic achievement for everyone involved as  this is the first time this event is to be held anywhere in the United Kingdom. So come on you people of Swansea and the rest of Wales and Great Britain, get behind us for this amazing event.