A young athlete has won a national award after balancing top results in countless sports with a desire to help others share his 2012 Paralympics dream.

Michael Pope, of Bushey Meads School, continued his steady steps to stardom by collecting the Paul Pearce Contribution to Disability Sports award at this year’s Service to Sports ceremony.

Michael, 14, who has dwarfism, coaches other aspiring athletes with physical disabilities at his school, in Coldharbour Lane, Bushey.

He said: “I knew I’d been nominated for the award but I was shocked when I won it, I sat in my seat for a bit longer than the other winners did.

“I was really excited though, and I got to meet lots of famous sportsmen and Olympians so that was very inspiring.

“I really enjoy the teaching, I want to become a sports coach so it’s a great experience and I like giving them confidence.

“The competitiveness in sport and the atmosphere before a game is what I enjoy.”

Earlier this month, Michael returned from the National Youth Disabled Games in Stoke Mandeville with a team of other Bushey Meads students after helping the team pick up more than 20 medals with a record breaking javelin throw.

He is now set to represent the country in the World Dwarf Games in Belfast.

Michael, who lives in North Riding in Bricket Wood was nominated for the Service to Sport award by Helen Bottomly, community sports officer for Hertsmere Borough Council.