The Earl and Countess of Wessex spoke with Paralympians from Team Great Britain ahead of the opening of the Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing.
Edward and Sophie spoke with three Paralympians, skiers Menna Fitzpatrick, guide Katie Guest, and Shona Brownlee, over a video call to learn more about their training processes and how they’ve each made their journeys to the Paralympics.
Edward, who is the patron of the British Paralympic Association, told the athletes: “As the moment gets closer to this year’s Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing getting under way, I want to wish you the very best of luck.
“We all send you massive congratulations on being selected; you now have the chance to compete against the very best in the world and, indeed, to win. More importantly we want you to go out there to achieve your best, to make us proud and to inspire the next generation.
“Whatever happens, I hope you have a brilliant experience in China. Enjoy every moment and, once again, good luck!”
Sophie told the athletes: “Good luck – we’ll be watching you and cheering you on from here.”
Fitzpatrick, Great Britain’s most decorated Winter Paralympian, is a visually-impaired para-alpine skier who works with a guide, Katie Guest, to compete on the slopes. She won a gold medal, two silver medals, and a bronze medal at her debut Paralympics—only four years ago at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.
As Sophie is patron of the Vision Foundation, Buckingham Palace noted that the royal was keen to discuss the particulars around competition.
“The ParalympicsGB team remind all of us of what can be achieved, given the right support, opportunity and trust,” said Vision Foundation’s Chief Executive, Olivia Curno, in a statement. “Menna’s achievements and passion for her sport gives us the determination to keep breaking down barriers across society for blind and partially sighted people – we’ll be cheering her and all of our incredible Paralympians on over the next ten days.”
Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games began on 4 March and continue through to 13 March.
