“Why blend in, when you were born to stand out”: Local lad featured in Paralympics Homecoming show
A young sportsman from Wirral has featured in a National Lottery film as part of the Paralympics Homecoming show, which aired on Channel 4 on Saturday (14 September).
Kobi Sadler, from Moreton, was interviewed as part of the film as he is a budding sports star who was born with an upper limb difference of the right arm.
Speaking of the filming, Kobi’s mum Kelly, said:
Kobi is extremely sporty, he always has been. He plays division 1 grassroots football for a local team; he plays cricket for his school has even started to take part in cross country races. He just loves being involved in any sporting activity. This also includes attending The England Amputee Junior Football camps every few months in Crewe.
As a young footballer with Glenavon Football Club, Kobi trains at Wirral Council’s Bidston Sports and Activity Centre each week where he was filmed for the show, talking about his love of sports and wanting to be a Paralympian himself when he’s older.
Kelly said:
A sporting career is something Kobi definitely wants to pursue, but he has also done a bit of acting - he’s filmed in South Africa which was amazing - so it’s fair to say he’s keeping his options open.
The television show, which celebrated ParalympicsGB following Paris 2024, spoke to a number of children and young people with differences and disabilities who are also keen young athletes. The show sought to inspire, so Kobi was a fantastic fit.
During his interview, Kobi, aged 10, used a powerful phrase his mum tells us their family have always lived by, saying:
Why blend in, when you can stand out?
Kelly said:
From an early age we’ve encouraged him to celebrate his difference. He wasn’t born to hide away but to excel and achieve – which he is already doing.
Kobi’s got a great circle of friends. When he plays football, everyone recognises him because he’s unique. But he’s also so hard working and dedicated. He’s got a really good ethos.
I’ve always encouraged him to say, ‘This is me, I might be a bit different, but I can certainly do anything anyone else can.’ I think that’s what the Paralympics is all about too really.
Speaking about what it means for Kobi to be featured in a show like this, Kelly said:
I just feel really proud, as does his dad, his sister, our whole family. But more than that, I find him truly inspirational.
I hope he goes on to inspire not only other children but other parents as well.
When we found out about his limb difference there was hardly anything out there to guide us as parents. It’s being celebrated now as it should be. I hope that by seeing a young lad like Kobi excelling as he does, it will encourage others to celebrate young people who are different, just like we do.
Difference doesn’t define people. Mindsets do.
You can catch up on the Paralympics Homecoming show here:
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/national-lotterys-paralympicsgb-homecoming
(55mins in)
