Scottish Paralympian Kevin Simpson, from Linlithgow, was presented the Tennis Scotland Disability Award by Judy Murray this week.

Kevin broke his back after an accident on an oil rig 9 years ago and took up the sport only 4 years ago.

"I'd never even played tennis before my accident and I was rubbish when I started - I couldn't even hit the ball." said Kevin.

"When I was introduced to tennis, it was great to get out there and be part of a club and talk with like-minded people."

"At the Beijing Paralympics last year, I lost in the first round. But to get there was my gold medal and it gave me the chance to experience a Paralympic Games before London.

"My goal is to compete and hopefully win a medal in London 2012. But working with young people is agreat focus, too. Eventually I want to go into full-time coaching."

Tennis Scotland coach, Karen Ross, who works closely with Kevin said that he had been an inspiration to those around him. "Kevin works so hard and thoroughly deserves to be where he is today. He has a great passion for the game and is a true ambassador for the sport".

Kevin's sport turned his life around and now he's hoping to inspire troubled teens to take up tennis to improve their lives, too.

He's involved in Sky Sports' Living for Sport programme for secondary schools in the UK, which uses sport to motivate young people who are having a tough time at school. The scheme, for 11 to 16-year-olds, was created by the Youth Sport Trust in partnership with Sky.

And Kevin says working with youngsters is just as rewarding as representing his country at the Paralympics.

He joined forces with former world number four Greg Rusedski earlier this month to hold a tennis masterclass for young people from Cardinal Newman High in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, linked to his work through the programme.

Kevin said: "The Paralympics was such an achievement for me and all the people who helped me get there, it was such an incredible feeling.

"But that's matched when I work with the kids and they say how much they've enjoyed it. Even if it just makes a difference to one of them I will be more than happy. Taking part in the programme will definitely improve their behaviour at school, increase their self-confidence and develop team work." 

Find out how you can get involved in Wheelchair Tennis by visiting the Tennis Foundation website