AN Alloa teenager has been selected to become a Commonwealth Games baton bearer – marking his tenacity and dedication to sport.

Jack Twist (13) was nominated in the 'achievement against the odds’ category, a nod to his sporting triumphs in the face of a life-limiting health condition.

He is thrilled to be a bearer in the Wee County and to demonstrate his endeavours have paid off.

“I feel amazed at being chosen as a baton bearer,” he said.

“It is important as I get to show that all my efforts in sport have been worth it and I am proud to be carrying the baton in Clackmannanshire.” The Alloa Academy pupil has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a degenerative condition with no cure available – and has been a full-time wheelchair user since the age of eight.

Although the mainstream PE curriculum often proves too difficult, it hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm to try all sport and activities available to him.

He explained, “I like being involved in sport because it shows that I can do stuff that other people can do.” To date, Jack has been a rider with the Forth Valley RDA, has participated in the schools county cross country, has sit-ski’d at Firpark, is the National SDS Schools Powerchair slalom champion, as well as being in the 2013 Powerchair Scottish Cup runners-up team.

At the end of last month, he played in the last round of the SFA National Powerchair League matches at Ravenscraig Sports Facility, in Motherwell.

The game is played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court and two teams of four players use powerchairs equipped with footguards to attack, defend and spin-kick a 330 mm football in an attempt to score a goal.

The sport only started in Scotland in 2010 and 2012/13 saw the first Scottish Cup event, with the 2013/14 season marking the first time a national league has been formed.

Jack’s team, Clyde Alba, coached by Stuart Aitchison, won 11 out of 16 matches and the five members were crowned the first ever 'SFA National Powerchair League’ champions – scooping a medal each, along with a plate and trophy to be shared.

“It felt awesome to win 11 out of 16 matches,” Jack said, “I like Powerchair football because football is a sport that I could play before being in my wheelchair and I can now still play it.” Jack – whose arms and upper body are now weakening – is currently waiting to undergo spinal fusion surgery to help alleviate some symptoms.

But in the meantime, he is looking forward to taking part in the historical event in June.

Mum Julia is over the moon for him and said, “I was thrilled to hear that Jack’s nomination was successful. It is fantastic that he has been given the opportunity to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“I am very proud of Jack’s sporting achievements. Despite his degenerative condition he continues to enjoy being involved and when opportunities are made available he tries his hardest to compete to his best ability.”