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    Jurgen Klopp branded a ‘CURSE’ by Paralympics 2024 pal as ex-Liverpool boss brought to tears by ‘super special friend’

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    JURGEN KLOPP was jokingly branded a “curse” as his friend won just SEVEN POINTS on his para-badminton debut.Liverpool’s former manager – a Premier League and Champions League winner – turned up in Paris on day one of the Paralympics to support his pal Wojtek Czyz.Jurgen Klopp was joking branded a ‘curse’ by his pal Wojtek Czyz at the ParalympicsCredit: GettyCzyz won just seven points on his para-badminton debut against Great Britain’s Daniel BethellCredit: GettyWearing New Zealand colours, the Poland-born star was thrashed 21-5 21-2 by Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in the opening group match at the Arena Porte de la Chapelle.Klopp, 57, is taking time out from football management after leaving Anfield after nine years at the end of last season.Looking tanned, relaxed but with a slight paunch, Klopp hugged his mate in the mixed zone and then said: “How was it to watch him? Great, I enjoyed all five points (in the first set)!  He’s 44, by the way, he’s 44!“Will I come back to watch him again? No, not all the time. I mean, I have to think about it, because today was not such a successful day for me…”READ MORE IN SPORTCzyz, who has won four gold medals in para-athletics but took up badminton only three years ago, responded: “Maybe he’s a curse!”The pair have been friends for more than 20 years ever since Czyz broke his leg in a football accident – he had a collision with a goalkeeper – days before he would turn professional at Fortuna Koln and that then spiralled into an amputation of his lower left leg.A charity match was sent up in his honour after that life-changing incident in September 2001 and it was here that he met Klopp, then manager of Mainz.They reconnected shortly before Klopp took over the Reds in October 2015 when they bumped into each other randomly at a harbour in Lisbon.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCzyz went sailing with his now wife on a circumnavigation of the world a few years ago with a prosthesis workshop on board to provide prostheses in developing countries.The couple then emigrated to New Zealand, where he sells manuka honey, during the Covid pandemic.Paralympic swimmer Ellie Robinson makes a great gangster style entranceKlopp watched on from the stands before joining his pal afterwardsCredit: GettyKlopp and Czyz have been friends for over 20 yearsCredit: GettyKlopp said: “The stories behind athletes are always special and my friend is super special.“That’s what I love about sport, that it can change the world, sometimes only for moments and sometimes forever.“I stood next to Eleanor, his incredible wife, and we both had tears in our eyes because I know sport is always about the result and winning.“But there’s much more behind that story, and being here is always so touching that I couldn’t get my head around it. It’s a pure joy.“Yesterday we stood in front of the Eiffel Tower and we both thought, ‘Wow! Again! It’s super, super special.“We don’t call each other every day, but we have known each other for 23 years.“His story is the most inspiring story I’ve heard in my life. This story has to be told, it has to be.“He’s too crazy, we are completely different. I’m not brave enough to do what he does.“He only told me yesterday how easy it is to dive with sharks. I said: ‘Yeah, I heard it now, I still don’t do it.’”Czyz said: “Jurgen is family. It’s simply incredible that he wants to come.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Not only for me, Jürgen is here to simply make a statement that the Paralympics and the para-sport is amazing.“He was involved in all my close decisions. For his 50th birthday, he said: ‘Hey, I don’t want presents, make a donation to (the charity) this was through the charity Sailing4Handicaps.’ He’s really an incredible guy.” More

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      Gold medal Paralympian Richard Whitehead hopes to inspire more disabled people to get involved in sport

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      FOUR in 10 people with disabilities don’t feel confident enough to participate in sporting events, according to research.Of the 700 disabled adults polled, 30 per cent believe the events do not cater for those with additional needs.
      Richard Whitehead hopes to inspire more disabled people to get involved in sportCredit: SWNS
      And 56 per cent felt they wouldn’t be seen as a priority when it came to participating.
      Almost one in five (17 per cent) also feel they lack the support network needed to take part, while 16 per cent were held back by the cost of entering events.
      But 12 per cent feel inadequate representation in sporting events is a barrier, with 54 believing access to trained volunteers would give them the confidence required to take part in mass participation sporting events.
      To help encourage participation, Nissan GB, the official partner of the Great Run Series which commissioned the research, is working with The Richard Whitehead Foundation to help make running events more inclusive by providing support and encouragement to disabled participants.
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      Gold-medal winning Paralympian, marathon runner and Nissan GB’s diversity, equity and inclusion ambassador, Richard Whitehead, said: “Disabled people feel they aren’t confident to enter sporting events.
      “As a Paralympic athlete and distance runner, I feel it’s something we should change.
      “Whatever the race, whatever the distance, it’s always a chance to give back to the running and disability community.”
      “Growing up and throughout my career I’ve witnessed the challenges that disabled people face in order to take part in sporting events, so I’m delighted to work with Nissan GB to help remove some of these barriers.”
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      The study found the average disabled adult exercises for a total of just under 76 minutes each week, over four sessions.
      And 39 per cent consider exercise as something they are passionate about.
      When it comes to sports they’d most like to test themselves in, swimming topped the list (22 per cent) followed by a half marathon (18 per cent).
      Others would like to take part in a grassroots or local football tournament (17 per cent) or a CrossFit event (12 per cent).
      But the study, carried out via OnePoll, found two thirds of disabled people believe there aren’t enough televised disability sporting events.
      And 53 per cent want the government to do more to encourage sporting events for people with disabilities.
      Whitehead added: “Sport should be accessible to everyone, so It’s exciting that we can pilot the Supported Runner Project at the AJ Bell Great North Run this weekend and the AJ Bell Great South Run in October, ahead of our full launch in 2024.” More

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      I live next to a Premier League ground and they want to have boozy, late-night concerts – but we took them on

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      ONE OF the Premier League’s wealthiest football clubs has suffered a defeat long before the new season starts – dished out by neighbours unhappy about their boozy late-night gig plans.Residents living close to the billionaire-backed team’s stadium launched a protest campaign against the prospect of pop concerts featuring all-day alcohol sales.
      A Premier League giant has been forced to back down on pop concert plansCredit: Reuters
      The rebellion by neighbouring residents marks the latest recent setback for the BluesCredit: PA
      The high-profile gigs would have added to the existing annual sporting calendar of 19 league home games plus cup ties.
      But the plan has now been scrapped in a victory for neighbours over the club’s rich US owners.
      The venue in question is Stamford Bridge, in well-to-do west London – and the club now licking its wounds is two-time Uefa Champions League winners Chelsea FC.
      The ruling has been hailed as a triumph for people power, with campaigners today celebrating how they had “frightened” the footballing power which has a lion on the badge and as its mascot.
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      Chelsea were bought by a US consortium headed by Todd Boehly last summer, after Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich – bankroller of the Blues since 2003 – was forced to cede control following his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
      The club, who have long been investigating for years how to boost Stamford Bridge’s 41,000-capacity, wanted to boost revenue in the meantime by hosting concerts there.
      London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have attracted music superstars such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Guns N’ Roses to perform at their new 62,850-capacity stadium since opening it in 2019.
      Yet Chelsea have been forced to abandon their hopes of doing similar.
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      Hundreds of residents living around the ground – which is in Fulham, south-west London – signed petitions urging Hammersmith and Fulham council to refuse permission.
      Chelsea had applied for approval for a concert venue in part of their stadium.
      Under their proposals, it would have remained throughout the year with an alcohol licence from 10am until 11pm, the Mail On Sunday reported.
      Yet after talks with council officers, the club has now decided to withdraw the application – to neighbours’ delight.
      Writer Kate Reardon, who has lived close by for eight years, said: “We are thankful Chelsea have chosen to engage and listen to residents’ concerns.”
      But she went on: “What really frightened them was the sheer scale of the application.
      “It would have given any future owners the possibility of making the residents’ lives a misery.
      “Chelsea have been here since 1905 and their ability to influence the health and happiness of the neighbourhood cannot be understated.”
      Another happy local, 49-year-old Ramzi Mroueh, said: “We are relieved and very grateful that Chelsea FC listened to our concerns and pulled the application.”
      And neighbour Adriana Ennab said: “It shows what is possible when the community works together towards a goal.”
      Chelsea’s hopes of emulating London rivals such as Spurs, Arsenal and West Ham United by getting a bigger ground have also been hampered by technicalities.
      Stamford Bridge is owned by thousands of fans in shares, giving the the Chelsea Pitch Owners PLC organisation a big say on whether the Blues can move.
      The group have to approve the shift from Stamford Bridge if the club were to continue in their current form of “Chelsea”.
      The CPO also owns the freehold to the Bridge and would need to be bought out by the club’s owners for control of the stadium.
      Abramovich, a former ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, attempted to buy the land in 2012 but was rebuffed by CPO shareholders.
      Blues fans suffered more misery in the Premier League season which concluded last month, with the club finishing 12th in the table – their lowest placing since 14th in 1994.
      They went through four managers in 2022-2023 – Thomas Tuchel, ex-Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter, one-game interim head coach Bruno Saltor then returning club legend Frank Lampard whose 11-match caretaker spell brought just one win.
      They have since hired a permanent replacement in former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino.
      Spurs are not the only Premier League club in London who are able to put on pop concerts.
      Arsenal’s 60,074-capacity Emirates Stadium has hosted the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Green Day, the Killers and earlier this month the Arctic Monkeys ahead of their Glastonbury headline spot this weekend.
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      The Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams, the Foo Fighters, Muse and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have played West Ham’s 66,000-seat London Stadium which was originally built for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
      Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s home since 1905, currently has capacity for 41,000 fansCredit: Getty
      Beyonce last month brought her Renaissance world tour to the home of Chelsea’s London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for five nights
      The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has also hosted Lady Gaga and Guns N’ RosesCredit: Getty More

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      Natalie Curtis dead at 34: Tributes paid to Paralympic hero who was part of Australia’s wheelchair basketball squad

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      NINTCHDBPICT000795388100Credit: FacebookFORMER Paralympic star Natalie Curtis has died suddenly aged 34.
      The Australian was a member of her country’s wheelchair basketball squad ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics.
      Paralympic star Natalie Curtis has died suddenly aged 34Credit: Facebook
      She was was a member of Australia’s wheelchair basketball squad ahead of the 2021 Tokyo ParalympicsCredit: Facebook
      Curtis, who was the mother of one young son, died on February 5 but her cause of death has not been made public knowledge.
      Her sister, Emma, announced the shocking news on Facebook.
      She wrote: “If you knew Natalie, you would know she was the most beautiful, kind and talented person.
      “She was a daughter, a sister, an auntie and a mother to a beautiful little boy.
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      “Everyone who knew her loved her instantly, she had such a kind soul and would do anything for the people she cared for most.”
      Curtis was born with spina bifida but was heavily involved in sport from an early age.
      After developing a love of swimming, she tragically gave it up after her younger sister drowned in the family pool.
      Aged 14, she then took up wheelchair basketball and went on to claim a silver medal at the 2013 Japan Oceania Championships.
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      Curtis was born with spina bifida but was heavily involved in sport from an early age.
      After developing a love of swimming, she tragically gave it up after her younger sister drowned in the family pool.
      Aged 14, she then took up wheelchair basketball and went on to claim a silver medal at the 2013 Japan Oceania Championships.
      Curtis would go on to represent Australia in wheelchair basketball as she became a huge name as an avid disability activist.
      She went viral online in October after revealing how she was forced to crawl off a plane when Jetstar staff couldn’t provide her with a wheelchair.
      The much-loved star, who suffered five spinal fractures following a car accident after returning from the Japan Oceania Championships in 2013, also trained and coached a wheelchair basketball team.
      Not-for-profit organisation Sporting Dreams paid tribute to Curtis in a statement.
      They wrote: “A young soul taken too soon. She was so much more than an athlete.
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      “A vibrant human being, wife, mother to a small boy, business founder and manager of her own company supporting people with disabilities.
      “Someone who leads by example. RIP Natalie.”
      A host of tributes have been made following the shock newsCredit: Facebook More

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      Anthony Hughes dead aged 63: Welsh performance manager who brought through Team GB Paralympic icons dies unexpectedly

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      PARALYMPIC athlete and performance manager Anthony Hughes MBE has died unexpectedly aged 63.The Welshman competed at the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona for the shot put and the javelin.
      Legendary Paralympic athlete and coach Anthony Hughes, right, passed away aged 63Credit: Getty
      He also won World Championships silver for the shot in 1994 held the world record.
      Hughes transitioned into performance management in 1999 after retiring and was a key figure in advancing Welsh inclusive and Para-sport with his role at Disability Sport Wales.
      The organisation confirmed he suddenly sadly passed away on December 30.
      Disability Sport Wales tweeted: “Ant was a loving father and brother, our Performance Manager, friend, colleague, athlete, coach, and an absolute advocate, champion and ambassador for disability sport in Wales and across the world.
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      “His reach and impact was unsurpassed.
      “His determination to ensure everyone achieved their potential through opportunity and equity was unparalleled, and made a difference to so many hundreds and thousands of lives.
      “There are no words to express the loss, sadness and disbelief this news brings. Ant will be missed always, but we will continue to fight for the legacy he so believed in – a Wales where sport has equity at its heart and everyone has the right to achieve their potential.
      “Ant taught us all so many lessons, inspired us, and gave us so much knowledge through his story telling, and we will honour him in the days and weeks to come with stories about his life, his impact and his legacy.
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      “Our thoughts are with his family at this hugely difficult time.”
      Disability Sport Wales CEO Fiona Read said Hughes “was ahead of his time” and “we won’t ever see the likes of Ant again in sport”.
      Hughes worked with the likes of Aled Sion Davies, Josie Pearson and Hollie Arnold who all won Paralympic gold medals.
      Under his guidance, the number of Welsh Paralympians rose from 17 in Sydney 2000 to 38 at London 2012 – with 21 in Tokyo 2020 and 14 medals won.
      Hughes was named Sport Wales Coach of the Year in 2011, inducted into the UK Coaching Hall of Fame in 2012 and received his MBE from the Queen for services to sport in 2013. More