THE Games may be over but local Paralympic star Bethany Woodward is continuing to inspire a generation of youngsters.

The teenage athlete, who won a silver and bronze medal at this year’s London Paralympic Games, officially opened a swish new sports hall at The Grange School in Christchurch yesterday.

Nineteen-year-old Bethany – known as Bethy – proudly showed the sporty students at the specialist sports college her medals and answered questions about her experiences this summer.

Bethy, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was 12 months old, won a silver medal in the women’s T37 200 metres as well as a bronze for the women’s T35-58 sprint relay.

The athlete, who grew up in West Moors, said: “It’s just been incredible since the Games ended.

“To have the support of the nation and to have those people interested in Paralympic sport – it’s taken it to a new level. The interest from people really spurs us all on for the next few years.”

The £800,000 new sports hall was completed this summer by contractor Morgan Sindall and replaces a 1970s swimming pool with indoor basketball and badminton courts for the school and wider community.

Head teacher Steve Dossett said: “We are honoured to have Bethy here to help open our sports hall. It is a great privilege to welcome such a great athlete and Paralympian to The Grange. Both the pupils and staff are thrilled to finally have the new sports hall open. This fantastic venue will enable the school to hold countywide competitions and games as well as providing a first class facility for the pupils and wider community.”