THIS year’s Paragames have inspired a new generation of school pupils across the Vale of Glamorgan to emulate their Paralympic heroes.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Disability Sports Wales officer was on hand to promote sport and activity for child athletes with disabilities at the Paragames.

Organised by staff from Ysgol Y Deri, the Paragames event was staged at the Penarth Learning Community and saw more than 200 pupils from Ysgol Y Deri and St Helens RC Primary School compete.

The site’s wide range of modern sporting facilities, including a running track and 4G football pitch, lent itself to the Paragames, and, with a big emphasis on inclusion, there were plenty of events on offer. Pupils competed in 100m sprints, a 60m slalom, shot put, long jump, Boccia throw, javelin, and softball throw.

Cardiff Blues Education Programme students from St Cyres High School volunteered to ensure the events ran smoothly, as well as supporting the pupils when they were competing.

Simon Jones, Disability Sport Wales development officer for the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the staff of Ysgol Y Deri for organising such a good event; an event that catered for every pupil in attendance, no matter what their impairment. Thanks must also be given to the pupils of St Cyres School who gave up a day to help support the event. This goes to show the community spirit that exists in the county.

“These types of event are very important, as they give disabled pupils the chance to compete against each other on a level playing field, and teach the vital skills of how to win and lose in the correct way.”

For more information on Disability Sport in the Vale of Glamorgan, contact Simon Jones on 01446 704728 or sljones@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk, or visit valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/disabilitysports