Paralympians Ross Wilson and Jack Hunter-Spivey become Humanity & Inclusion UK Ambassadors

Paralympians Ross Wilson and Jack Hunter-Spivey became the new Ambassadors of the charity Humanity & Inclusion (HI) UK today. The two renowned table tennis players will be supporting the organization and its activities alongside people with disabilities living in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and natural disaster such as the aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique where HI teams are currently on the ground to support the most vulnerable

“At Humanity & Inclusion UK we are very honored and thrilled to welcome Jack and Ross as our new Ambassadors. There is no question that they will be amazing advocates for the rights of all the people with disabilities we are supporting everyday worldwide and will help us ensure that no one is left behind.” said Aleema Shivji, Executive director of Humanity & Inclusion UK.

“The overwhelming majority of people with disabilities around the world live in developing countries and it’s something we don’t think about enough. In places affected by conflict and natural disaster Humanity & Inclusion are often the only organization focussing their work to support people with disabilities. This is one of the reasons why I’m so proud to be an Ambassador.” said Jack.

Originally from Liverpool, Jack was born with cerebral palsy and was blind and deaf until he was nine months old. He discovered his passion for table tennis at an early age and was invited to his first GB Development camp at the age of 11. He has been part of the Performance squad since 2011. Jack is the only player ever to win the Junior, Senior and Open British titles in the same year and competes in able bodied table tennis at county level as well as competing with the GB Para team. Just last week Jack won a gold and a bronze medal at the Italian Open.

When asked about his new role as an ambassador for HI, Ross said: “I’m really excited to help spread the word about Humanity & Inclusion’s amazing teams of physical therapists, artificial limb specialists, deminers and many others. Too few people around the world are able to access vital support. I know that HI prioritizes the most vulnerable whether that’s in the aftermath of an earthquake, a country where unexploded bombs still litter the ground or in places where there are so many barriers for people with disabilities accessing health or education services.”

Ross first played table tennis while on holiday at Center Parcs and showed an immediate talent for the game. His natural skill brought him success in abled bodied table tennis and as a junior he was ranked in the top ten in the country, winning two National doubles titles.

In 2011 he was diagnosed with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, which affects the growing ends of the bones. Soon after the diagnosis Ross started training with the GB Paralympic team. In October 2018, Ross achieved his dream of becoming World Champion, beating the double Paralympic champion from China, Zhao Shuai, in the final of men’s class 8 to take the gold.

This year Jack and Ross will be focussing on qualifying for next year’s Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Notes

Interview with Jack and Ross available upon request

Pictures of Jack and Ross available upon request

Press contact

Marlene Manning, Humanity & Inclusion UK
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)870 774 3737

About Humanity & Inclusion

Co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Humanity & Inclusion (the new name of Handicap International) is a charity working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. We work tirelessly alongside and vulnerable people to help meet their basic needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.