Boy, 16, with cerebral palsy has big dreams of Paralympics

A 16-year-old Evelina London patient is making his way in the world of dressage, with dreams of making it to the Paralympics.

Govind Nambiar, from Langdale Crescent, Bexleyheath, was the youngest to compete in the 2024 Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) national championships this summer, and placed fourth in the overall rankings.  

The former UK junior champion has cerebral palsy, a movement disorder affecting all his four limbs.

He said: “Horse riding is one of the things where people like me, disabled people, can participate. You aren’t dependent on anyone, and you’re on top of the world.

“My dream is to get to Paralympics level – I will push as much as I can to get there.” 

Govind first took up horse riding aged five on the recommendation of his doctor at Evelina London Children’s Hospital in Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, to help him strengthen his muscles.

The 16-year-old has had multiple operations at Evelina Hospital to help his movement. 

Aged eight and 10, he underwent lengthening surgeries to his shortened lower limb muscles while more recently, in 2022, Govind had major surgery to his shinbone to correct its alignment and help him walk with more stability.

Following his most recent surgery by Mr Michail Kokkinakis, consultant paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Evelina London, he is now able to walk and sit on his horse more comfortably. 

Mr Kokkinakis said: “It has been a privilege to watch Govind grow into a young man, and see how his care at Evelina London has helped him gain confidence and strength, and a passion for his sport. We are all so proud of him and his incredible achievements.”

After six months of intensive rehabilitation from his shinbone surgery, Govind was thrilled to be back in training at Arrow Riding Club in Darenth Park Ave, Dartford, and make it to the national RDA championships. 

Govind, who would like to do a degree apprenticeship in finance, said: “As a therapy horse riding is one of the best things you can do, it strengthens all of your muscles and improves your overall condition. 

“Horse riding also helps my mental health and lets me escape from reality. The horse is such a therapeutic animal.”

 Pictured top: Govind at the national RDA championships (Picture: Supplied by Kavitha Nambiar)