Andrew Green feels his dream is edging closer into view after being inspired by the incredible table tennis talent on show at the Paralympic Games.

Billingham's Green, 25, won men’s doubles silver at the 2023 National Championships and has been singled out by charity SportsAid as an athlete to watch for LA2028.

Green is familiar with most of ParalympicGB’s table tennis squad and says that seeing his friends in action is fuelling his desire to be front and centre of the action in four years’ time.

“It’s just incredible, it's so motivating to see people, especially when I know people in the squad,” said Green.

“It's good to see and some of them are my friends outside the camp as well as inside, and to hear their stories is great.

“It's my dream to be at the Paralympics. Every time it's on, it lights that hunger in me to go again, it's the best event there is.

“It's so good how you see all the different countries coming together and I can imagine the atmosphere must be brilliant in the village. It really does light a spark in me to try and get there.

“Everything I do in life is towards the goal of going to the Paralympics.”

Green cites Paris silver medallist Rob Davies as his hero but says there is much to be learned from every athlete taking part.

“To see people who have been on that journey, just like I have, and to see them there makes it believable,” said Green.

 “You know it's a thing and you know how you get there, but when you see other people do it, especially who you've known, who you've grown up with, playing the sport, you see them there, it makes you realize that this dream is achievable.

“I really like Rod Davies, the way he's withstood his level and maintained such a high level for so long, it's incredible.”

Howard is one of 50 athletes across a multitude of sports supported by a partnership between SportsAid and Pitching In, a multimillion-pound grassroots sport programme established by Entain, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral.

“SportsAid and Pitching In funding is really beneficial,” added Green.

“It’s really helped me out, I had injury costs to pay for that GB couldn't cover and I had to go to a private physio because I was struggling to get like in with my actual doctor.

“There is so much help and not just financially but with classes too and online stuff. All of the experiences I’ve had have been brilliant.”

Entain, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, is proud to be championing the next generation of British sporting heroes by providing talented young athletes with financial support and personal development opportunities in partnership with SportsAid. Visit entaingroup.com to find out more.