Bradford College Students to Represent Refugee Team at Paris 2024 Paralympics

Two Bradford College students, Guillaume Junior Atangana and Donard Nyamjua, are set to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympics, which runs from 28th August to 8th September 2024. Their journey from Cameroon to the UK has been full of challenges, but their determination and the support they’ve received from Bradford College have helped them reach this incredible milestone. 

Junior and Donard’s story is one of courage and determination. They both came to the UK from Cameroon, seeking safety and a better future. Junior, who is visually impaired, and Donard, his guide runner, have been training together for years. They are now students at Bradford College, where they have found a welcoming community that supports their dreams. 

Junior, 25 years old, is enrolled in the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL, Speaking and Listening) course at Bradford College. Donard, 32 years old, is studying GCSE English, and Maths Entry Level 3. 

The Journey to Bradford College

Junior and Donard’s journey to the UK began in 2022, following their participation in the July-Aug 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. They left their home country of Cameroon, where Junior had lost his sight at the age of six. Initially, Junior’s love for sports was focused on football, but after losing his eyesight, a PE teacher noticed his speed and introduced him to running. This sparked a passion that has driven him to compete at the highest levels of para-athletics. Junior has never let his disability hold him back. Instead, he has used it as a source of strength.

Donard has been a guide runner since 2013, working with visually impaired athletes in Cameroon. He began running with Junior in 2019, and they have been an incredible team ever since.

However, after competing in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, they made the difficult decision to seek asylum in the UK. The situation back home made it impossible for them to pursue their dreams in a safe and supportive environment. Moving to the UK was not just about finding safety but also about securing a place where they could continue their athletic careers. 

They finally arrived in the UK in October 2022 and joined Bradford College a few months later. Now, as refugees in the UK, they have had to adjust to life in a new country, far from home, but they have also found a new beginning. 

Training and College Support

At Bradford College, Junior and Donard have been able to balance their studies with their training schedules, thanks in part to the support from the College. Junior shared, “We come to College three times a week and attend our lectures and meet with our tutors. We receive lots of support. For me, in particular, my English skills have improved greatly, which is helping me interact better with people.”

Donard added, “The College has been incredibly supportive, making sure we have what we need to balance our studies and training.” This support has been crucial in their preparation for the Paris Paralympics, where they hope to improve on their previous performance at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. 

Junior and Donard have been training with the Bradford Keighley and Skipton Disability Athletics Club, under the guidance of Coach Janet-Alison Arkwright. Their preparation has taken them across the globe, from the Dubai World Para Athletics Grand Prix to the Jesolo 2022 Grand Prix in Italy and a training camp in South Africa. Each step in their journey has brought them closer to their goal of standing on the podium at the Paris Paralympics. 

The Road to Paris 2024

The final qualifier for the Paris Paralympics was held in Switzerland in June 2024, where Junior and Donard emerged victorious, securing their place on the Refugee Paralympic Team. Reflecting on this achievement, Junior said, “I have anticipated this moment for quite a while as my last major international competition was in 2022. I wanted to be back to my best, so I’m glad I got this opportunity to test myself.” 

Their focus is now on the T11 400m event at the Paris Paralympics. The T11 classification is for athletes with the greatest level of vision impairment, requiring them to compete with a guide runner. For Junior, this means relying entirely on Donard for pace, direction, and communication during the race. 

Junior and Donard are not just competing for medals; they are representing millions of refugees worldwide who face challenges and adversity. Donard expressed the significance of this opportunity, saying, “It’s not just about competing at a high level in sports but also representing millions of refugees worldwide who face challenges and adversity. It’s a chance to make a meaningful impact and show the world what refugees can achieve through sports and beyond.” 

As we look forward to the Paris Paralympics, Bradford College is very proud of Junior and Donard. Their journey shows the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support. We wish them the very best in Paris and will be cheering them on!

Bradford College is committed to helping students achieve their dreams, no matter where they come from.  

If Junior and Donard’s story has inspired you, there’s still time to join our vibrant community this September.  

You can apply in person from 1 pm on 22nd August 2024 until 9th September 2024. For more information visit our website.