When the RGF agreed to support Callum back in 2018 little did we know what an amazing young man we’d backed. Callum’s mum, Michelle has kindly given us an update on his exceptional achievements: “When Callum Mills was lucky enough to be granted funding from The Rob George Foundation last year, He promised to try and make the Foundation proud. Following on from his success at the Inclusive Skating British and International Championships held in Glasgow, April 2018, he went on to compete again at the Lammas Ice Skating Club in the Jeans for Genes British and International Championships. Callum worked very hard between competitions as we made the decision to take him to a level 3 for free skate. It was also decided that Lammas inclusive skaters – along with some mainstream skaters, would create a synchro team. Callum also chose new music for his free skate and free dance. So, along with synchro- he had 3 new routines to learn. This obviously meant extra lessons too.
What a fabulous competition he had – Gold in Senior Men’s Free Skate, Senior Free Dance, and Synchro, plus Silver in Senior Men’s Free Skate and Senior Men’s Free Dance Genes Championships.
After this Callum went straight back into training ready for Glasgow 2019 Inclusive Skating British and International Championships which for the first time ever would include placements for the Paralympics! Once again we changed music! His poor coach! We also teamed up with an inclusive skater from Bradford to do a pairs routine- we like to make things even more challenging. We split our time between rinks and coaches and they produced a beautiful routine.
Callum’s medal haul were – Gold in Free Skate, Elements, Free Dance, Pattern Dance, International Free Dance and Pairs with Jenny Lee. Callum was placed 2nd overall Paralympic and 3rd placed British Inclusive Champion. At the end of 2018 Callum’s overall world rankings were 3rd place for Senior Men’s Free Skate and Free Dance, together with a 4th place ranking for Men’s Pattern Dance.
From Callum and our family a massive thank you to the Rob George Foundation for your support. We couldn’t do it without your support! Inclusive ice skating is all self-funded. Without your support Callum couldn’t do the sport he loves!”
What is even more amazing about Callum is that he had an operation on his skull to insert a BAHA (bone-anchored hearing aid) just two weeks before competing in Glasgow!
You certainly have made us proud Callum and the RGF wishes you every success for 2019 and beyond!