A TRIPLE Paralympic gold medalist has been presenting young athletes with sporting bursaries.

Giles Long, aged 33, won three swimming gold medals at the Sydney Paralympic games in 2000 after overcoming cancer.

Last week he awarded a total of £11,000 to 53 Greenwich youngsters as they continue their training towards the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The money was supplied by Greenwich Council's Starting Blocks scheme to help give the borough's hopefuls the best chance of competing in two years time.

Mr Long said: "Some of the young people here today could be the stars of tomorrow and the support from Starting Blocks might help make this a reality. I wish them all every success."

For more information, visit greenwichstartingblocks.org