Sport and adventure go hand in hand and for Coco, they’ve been life-changing.

Inspired by her siblings, Coco set out to complete the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, determined to embrace every challenge.

Aligning the Duke of Ed Framework with her passion for sport, Coco chose wheelchair racing for her Physical Section. Already a competitive athlete, she set goals to improve speed, technique, and endurance - skills that helped her shine at the Para World Championships in India. Her ultimate dream? Becoming a Paralympian.

Beyond racing, Coco has tackled throwing events and wheelchair basketball, building strength and teamwork along the way but… the Duke of Ed wasn’t just about sport, it was about resilience, independence, and unforgettable experiences like completing her Adventurous Journey with fellow Duke of Ed friends.

Coco’s advice? “Just go for it. You’ll surprise yourself with what you can achieve.”

This World Disability Day, let’s celebrate inclusion and the power of sport to break barriers!

The team interviewed Coco to learn more about her connection to sport and the Duke of Ed…

Coco, what made you want to complete your Duke of Ed?

I was inspired by my older siblings Louis, Fred and Molly. Watching how much they enjoyed the camps, and the volunteering made me want to experience the same sense of adventure and fulfilment. Their positive experiences showed me that the Duke of Ed wasn’t just a challenge, but also something genuinely fun, meaningful, and rewarding and, an opportunity to make new friends.

How did you align the Duke of Ed Framework to your sporting endeavours?

I aligned my Gold Level with my sporting endeavours by using wheelchair racing as my Physical Section activity. Since racing is already a major part of my life, it made sense to set structured goals around improving my technique, speed, and endurance. The commitment, discipline and training routines I follow in wheelchair racing also helped me stay motivated through the other parts of the Duke of Ed.

What sport are you involved in and what are your goals?

I am involved in wheelchair racing, which is my main sport. I’ve had the opportunity to compete at the Para World Championships this year in India, and my long-term goal is to become a Paralympian. Alongside racing, I also take part in throwing events such as shot put and discus, and I’ve been involved in wheelchair basketball. Being part of several sports has helped me build strength, teamwork skills, and competitive focus, all of which support my ambition to one day go to the Paralympics!

 What would you say to others wanting to complete their Duke of Ed?

I’d say: just go for it. I didn’t know what to expect at first, but the Duke of Ed ended up pushing me in the best ways. It helped me grow, gave me experiences I’ll never forget, and showed me what I’m capable of. Even the tough moments were worth it. If you give it a chance, you’ll surprise yourself with how much you can achieve.

What is your most memorable Duke of Ed Experience?

My most memorable experience was definitely the adventure hikes. Being outdoors, camping with my team, and taking on the rain and rough terrain made the whole journey unforgettable. There were challenges for sure, but that’s what made it so much fun. Those moments of working together, pushing through the weather, and laughing about it afterwards are the ones that really stayed with me.

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us Coco!