Hamilton Care Home Residents Enjoy Visit From 2024 Paralympic Gold Medallist
Paris 2024 Paralympic Gold medallist Stephen McGuire visited HC-One Scotland’s Douglas View Care Home, in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, to show residents his gold medal following his success at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.
The Paralympian, who lives with Muscular Dystrophy, kindly brought his medal to show residents after beating Columbia’s Edilson Chica 8-5 in the final at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in the men’s individual BC4 classification on September 2.
As the sounds of bagpiper Duncan Brown rang out as he entered the care home, Stephen was welcomed to Douglas View with a coffee morning with residents as well as young children from a local nursery in attendance.
Having played Boccia for 20 years, Stephen discovering the sport while researching different activities that he and his brother who also lives with Muscular Dystrophy could play. Stephen soon realised he had the ability to play Boccia professionally and went on to compete in multiple Paralympic Games.
McGuire is the most successful British BC4 Boccia athlete, a ten-time Scottish Champion, 13-time British Champion, four-time European Champion, and former World Champion.
Stephen spoke with residents and staff at Douglas View about his journey, the recent Games and how he celebrated his achievement. Speaking on the Paralympian, Doulgas View resident William Stewart commented: “He is a hero, it is amazing to meet him.”
Stephen, said: “It was such a special visit to Douglas View, and I am so thankful to everyone for making me feel so welcomed. I enjoyed meeting the residents again and loved sharing my gold medal with them.
“I was overjoyed to be able to share the success in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games with the residents and staff within Douglas View. The piper made it super special for me and all the residents.”
Louise Fulton, HC-One Scotland’s Douglas View Home Manager, stated:
“It was wonderful to meet Stephen again and hear about his many achievements. Douglas View were honoured to have him come and visit with his Gold medal around his neck.”
