Jess's surprise for inspirational Chris

The 18-year-old, from Aston, was presented with his prize by Sky Academy Ambassador and reigning Olympic Heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill, who described Chris as ‘embodying what Sky Sports Living for Sports is all about.’

Chris was surprised by Jessica whilst taking part in a Sky Sports Living for Sports skills session at the English Institute of Sport. During the session, led by England international footballer Sue Smith and Paralympic cyclist Rik Waddon, students took part in a skills game promoting communication, involving half the group wearing blindfolds whilst their partners guided them across the room. Jessica joined the students while the game was underway, replacing Chris’s partner before he removed his blindfold. The presentation was broadcast on Sky Sports News earlier this week.

Chris, who has Cerebral Palsy, is one of thousands of secondary school pupils participating in Sky Sports Living for Sport projects throughout the UK and Ireland. The free Sky Academy experience, delivered in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, uses sport to help young people build practical skills and self-confidence.

Jessica said, “Chris is a fabulous student and the leadership skills he has shown, since taking part in the Adventure Challenge project, are fantastic. He has given a talk to 140 students about living with Cerebral Palsy and this ability to stand-up and speak in an inspirational manner is exactly what makes him a worthy winner of this award.”