Susan Stern

Born in Amersham, Bucks, to an officer in the RAF and a Maltese mother, we travelled the World until, whilst in Cyprus, we had to leave suddenly due to the Turkish invasion and returned to UK.

I have always loved being involved in sport and representing my county at Badminton and Athletics. Sport has been a major part of my life and will always be so. That is why I am so lucky to have found Bourne Dragon Boat because it has given me a new focus.

I married in 1977 and lived in Middlesex before moving to Tampa, Florida in the early 80's where I worked in a school teaching disabled children until 2009 when we returned home to live in Bournemouth.

Being a qualified youth worker, I ran activities for young people in NW London and looked after around 600 each week, mainly with soccer coaching and running competitions. Together with my husband Tim, I ran the World Corporate Games in London.

As well as London Youth Games and Special Olympics. We were the first to introduce girls to these events, for which we received an invitation to Buckingham Palace for a Garden Party.

In 2012, I was invited to be an Olympic Games Torch Bearer and did my run in Bournemouth. That was a really special day and all my family and friends here and in Tampa could watch via the live BBC feed.

I took part in Dragon Boat racing in Tampa and feel so lucky to have found it here and I am loving every minute.

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