West Ham United fan and television personality Ade
Adepitan will be swapping basketball courts for the streets of the
capital, as he takes part in the London Marathon later this
month.
Ade, 34, who also does acting and is a presenter on children's
television CBBC, is probably best known by viewers as one of the
wheelchair basketball players who feature in the BBC promotional
trailers that were recently shown before a programme started.
Following his success in the basketball field - he was part of the
British team that won a bronze medal at the Paralympics in Athens,
2004 - Ade has gone on to become a leading ambassador in disabled
sports.
His latest challenge will be wheeling his way through London in the
26-mile event that takes place on Sunday, April 22. Ade is looking
to raise as much money as he can for the Brain and Spine Foundation
as well as WheelPower, the national charity for wheelchair sport.
Speaking in the middle of a busy training schedule, Ade, who was at
Upton Park to see the Hammers beat Middlesbrough 2-0 on Saturday,
said: "I have never taken part in the London Marathon before,
but it's a challenge I am looking forward to.
"I am looking to get a half-marathon under my belt soon as
part of my training and test out the new racing wheelchair I will
be using for the big event. I have been involved in sport, mainly
basketball for a while now and this is another platform on which to
have a go. I am also looking forward to raising a lot of money for
these worthwhile causes."
Ade uses his experience in wheelchair basketball to coach
youngsters as well as working for the BBC in children's
television. He is currently filming a new show called Desperados.
A season ticket holder, Ade also finds time to support his
favourite team as much as he can.
"I hate to admit it, but I was once an Arsenal fan when I was
very young. I saw the error of my ways though," jokes Ade.
"A neighbour of mine took me to see the team come home through
the streets with the FA Cup in 1980 and from then on my allegiance
was claret and blue. It's only right when you think I am a
Plaistow boy born and bred!
"I think we are showing great spirit and fight in our games
lately and it's great to see. So we just have to continue that
and do the best we can in every match."
That fight and determination is something that Ade has in
abundance. As a young boy he had to wear leg braces and then used
his disability for the better, making use of his wheelchair and
becoming an international star in basketball.
He added: "The London Marathon is another chance for me to get
out there and do something not just for myself, but more
importantly help others by not only raising money for the
charities, but by showing that even with a disability, there is no
reason why you shouldn't have a go."
To sponsor Ade in the London Marathon, click here
By Laura Burkin