Sports star of the future Finley Canipa toddled away with his first gold medal after winning at a UK sporting event.
He took gold at the 20th Dwarf Sports Association (DSA) National Games, held at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.
Finley, aged two, who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, impressed the crowds with his ability and accuracy at an indoor version of the winter sport curling.
Paralympic star Ellie Simmonds, who won two golds in the pool at the London Paralympics, presented children with their medals. Ellie, who also has achondroplasia, is a patron of the DSA, a charity which aims to ensure regular sporting opportunity is accessible and enjoyable to everyone of restricted growth.
Finley’s mum, Kristy said: ‘It gives him the opportunity to compete on competitive level. Sport is such a positive tool and will help build on his confidence and determination.
‘Although Finley has dwarfism, it will never hold him back in anything he hopes to achieve. We are all so proud of him, and I have no doubts he will continue to amaze us as he grows up.’
Kristy, of Douglas, founded Finley’s Footsteps Fund after a successful campaign to raise awareness in the island. Over £12,000 was raised for Rebecca House and the DSA.
It continue to raise funds and work with the DSA to include the island as part of the north west. It will continue to promote the development of sport for people of restricted growth and enable them to enter into and compete in sport on an equal footing.
Kristy will continue to work with schools and organisations to raise awareness. The fund will also provide sporting equipment and other adaptations.