A Whole School Send-Off for Paralympian Dominic Allen

27 February 2026

St Leonards pupil Dominic Allen (Year 12) has been selected to represent ParalympicsGB at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, competing in Para Alpine Skiing in both Slalom and Giant Slalom in the standing category.

At just 16 years old, Dominic is the youngest athlete named to the ParalympicsGB team for 2026 and one of only 25 athletes selected to represent Great Britain this year. His selection follows an outstanding period of international racing, with podium finishes and consistent performances on the world stage.

Head Simon Brian said: “We are beyond proud of Dominic’s selection for ParalympicsGB. It is a phenomenal achievement for Dominic and a moment of real pride for the entire St Leonards community. His talent, discipline and quiet determination truly stand out, and we will be cheering him on all the way to Milano-Cortina.”

On Friday, 28 February, the school community came together to give Dominic a special send-off before he departed for Italy.

Arriving at school in full team kit, Dominic took part in a celebratory Assembly with Years 5 to 13, joining Mr Brian for a Q&A. Pupils heard about his journey in elite sport, the discipline required at the highest level and what it means to represent his country.

He then took part in a second Q&A Assembly, speaking with pupils from Kindergarten to Year 4 about his experiences so far and answering their questions. For many of our younger pupils, it was a unique opportunity to see someone from their own school community preparing to compete on the world stage.

The celebrations concluded with a whole-school send off on Birdcage, as pupils and staff lined the area to wave Dominic off and wish him well. It was a fitting tribute to an extraordinary achievement and a moment of immense pride for St Leonards.

We wish Dominic every success in Milano-Cortina and look forward to cheering him on as he represents both his country and our school community.