A FORMER Welsh Paralympian is taking on a new challenge – as Pontypool Community Council’s new chairman.

John Harris, 65, from Sebastopol, is fairly new to the council, only joining 18 months ago, but his passion for change has shone through and he is eager to take up the role as chairman.

Mr Harris enjoyed a successful career as a Paralympian and competed in five Paralympic Games. He was paralysed at the age of 18 after he fell 18 metres from a fairground ride; and a full 17 years passed before he was selected to compete for Great Britain at his first Games in 1980.

The pinnacle of John’s sporting career was winning gold in the discus in the 1984 Games, while he also claimed silver in the discus and bronze in the pentathlon at the Seoul Games in 1988.

He also completed the London Marathon in 1987 and twice he has participated in Push Around Wales, an event to raise funds to provide sporting opportunities for disabled people in Wales, which saw him cover 600 miles in 37 days. Today, despite being 65, he is as fit and eager as ever, training twice a week in a gym in Griffithstown.

Speaking about his role as councillor for the Griffithstown East ward, he added: “I am enjoying being a councillor as it involves being a part of the community and making small changes, but these changes make a significant difference to the individuals involved.

“I am enjoying life and I keep fit and I am proactive in promoting sports in the community, especially to children and to those who feel unable to participate in sports.”