Stephen, a three-time Paralympic club throw gold medallist who is currently training for Rio 2016, and Rachel, a former disability sport development officer, will provide a range of services to corporate, education and the local community through the "SMILE Through Sport" non-profit organisation, which is housed within Gateshead College Academy for Sport.

As well as putting on sporting activities, the scheme will also offer inspirational speakers for events and Stephen hopes it will enable sport to help others in the same way it has helped him.

Stephen Miller won gold medals at the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympics ©Getty Images

"From my point of view sport has given me a great life," he said.

"My life would have been very different without sport because sport has improved my entire life.

"The biggest thing I have got from sport is confidence.

"My disability has improved so much because of the regular activity I take part in.

"If we can convey that message to other disabled people and their parents then that's great."

SMILE Through Sport will work alongside the college and has already set up a number of projects for 2014, including the Gateshead College Sportability club, the Northumberland Sport Family forum day and Boccia Northumberland.

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