Faith in sport: ‘Passion is what keeps you going!’

Former Team GB Paralympian Jess Hunter (Staines) talks about sport and faith.

Can you tell us a bit about you?

I’ve been going to the Army practically all my life, with a gap in the middle. My faith took a huge step back while I was at boarding school and college, especially when I got into boccia. When I retired from boccia, one of the first things I did was get a dog. I love taking him out for walks, and he makes me smile every day. 

In November 2021, one of my friends at Staines Corps asked me to join their anniversary celebrations and I just kept coming back. It was perfect timing. Over the past two years, I have felt closer to Jesus than ever. Going to church is the highlight of my week. I go to songster practice because I love the music, the conversations, the stories, the testimonies. If I was verbal, I’d definitely be part of the group – but, to be fair, God may have been protecting everyone from my singing voice! 

Who is Doris and how does Doris help you? 

I have cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that affect movement and posture caused by damage to the developing brain, often before or during birth. In my case, it affects all four limbs as well as my speech, which means I need support with many aspects of daily life on a physical level. However, I don’t feel that it has ever held me back. While I may need additional help, I have never let my disability stop me from pursuing what I want to achieve. My cerebral palsy affects my speech, so I’m non-verbal, which means I can’t speak in the usual way. Some people might say I still manage to talk a lot! I use an eye-gaze communication aid to speak. It allows me to control a screen with my eyes, type what I want to say, and then it speaks out loud. I’ve even given it a name: Doris. 

What is boccia? 

Boccia is a precision ball sport and is one of the few sports in the Paralympic Games without an Olympic equivalent. The balls can either be thrown or kicked, or, in the category I competed in, played using a ramp with the support of an assistant. The aim of the game is to get your balls closer to the white jack than your opponents. 

What’s your proudest sporting moment? 

Being selected for the London 2012 Paralympics. I remember that day so clearly. Another huge highlight was beating Canada in our last game at London 2012, because it meant we got a win at the Paralympics! I also remember beating Greece at the anniversary a year later. I won the game with my very last ball! 

How has your faith impacted your sport? 

Looking back, I do believe God was always there in the background, watching over me and guiding me. Since retiring from boccia, I feel like I’m starting to connect my faith and sport in a new way. For example, I went to summer school as a guest, where I taught boccia and also shared my testimony. My faith and sports are coming together not through competition, but through community, encouragement and purpose. 

What makes up the heart of an Olympian or Paralympian? 

So many things: grit, passion, resilience, endurance, commitment and being able to stay strong under pressure. But for me, the most important thing is love. You have to truly love what you do, because that love is what carries you through. If you don’t love it then, in my eyes, there’s no real point doing it. Passion is what keeps you going, pushes you to improve and makes all the hard work worth it. 

• Based on Episode 12 of Faith in Sport. The podcast joins Sports Mission Specialist Rob Moye (THQ) as he meets people who connect their passion for Jesus with their love of sport.