World Record Skier To Whatman Park

07/08/08 World Record Skier To Whatman Park - Kevin Alderton

When Kevin Alderton, a former soldier, was attacked in the street 10 years ago he lost his sight. Since his ordeal he has battled on and now holds the downhill speed skiing record by a blind person, of just over 100mph.

The Dartford man is now heading to Maidstone to open Maidstone Handover Day, which is a festival of sport, art and culture as part of the Kent 2012 campaign. He will open it alongside the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Denise Joy. Both will be raising an Olympic flag to mark the event.

Kevin, known as Kevin ‘Cannonball’ Alderton, set his world record in France and was guided on the slope by radio speakers in his helmet. He thanks the charity St Dunstan’s for blinded ex-serviceman for him being able to ski again. He has been selected for the Great Britain Adaptive Ski Team Development Squad and also hopes to compete in the 2010 Paralympics in Canada.

Kevin will talk of is experiences at the Handover Day on Sunday, August 24 to the many youngsters and families who are expected to turn up. Organised by Maidstone Borough Council’s Sports, Play and Youth Development team there will be plenty of entertainment for all ages.

Kicking off at noon there will be free sports taster sessions, live bands, street art and sports demonstrations. There will also be a parade and samba band, which aims to mix art and culture together. And it doesn’t stop there, throughout the afternoon until 6pm there will be Pegasus Gymnastics Club, Kixx Martial Arts, Maidstone United and rowing to delight crowds, as well as face painting, henna tattooing and a bouncy castle. Maidstone Power Hub will also be providing car parking free of charge.

Kevin said: “Participation in sport is a fantastic way of bringing all sections of the community together. No matter what our cultural differences, social status or disability, sport gives us the opportunity to break down those barriers. I am delighted to be involved with this event, and who knows, we may find a future gold medallist or world-record holder among the crowd."

Cabinet member for leisure and culture, Brian Moss added: “Maidstone’s Handover Day is a festival of sports, arts and culture and is to mark the start of the 2012 Olympiad. Maidstone is showing its support by encouraging the community to come down and try various different sports. This is a positive event for the borough and has activities for all the family to try.”

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