YOUNGSTERS from Dorset schools attended a special sports day with Paralympic swimmer Kate Grey last week.

The pupils came together at The Grange School in Christchurch for the Step into Sport day which aimed to give 25 disabled and 25 non-disabled students the opportunity to learn about inclusive leadership.

Students from schools including Victoria School in Poole, St Aldhelm’s Academy, St Peter’s School and Corfe Hills spent the day at the specialist sports college taking part in various activities aimed at teaching the spirit of inclusion.

In the afternoon the youngsters were able to take part in a Team Challenge with games including Boccia, a Paralympic target ball sport belonging to the same family as petanque and bowls.

The teams also took part in wheelchair basketball, table cricket and athletics.

Paralymic swimmer Kate Grey, who lost her left hand when she was two, also participated in the team events with the youngsters throughout the day.

Kate represented Great Britain at the 2008 Paralympic Games but missed out on London due to illness.

She still hopes to compete at Rio in 2016.

Colette Neaum, spokesperson for The Grange School said: “It was an amazing day.

“All the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and each took something from the day.

“It was organised by our school games organiser Dan Moody and Grange young leaders.

“Kate gave an inspirational speech to open the event and then at the end of the day.

“She’s incredible. It’s been a real honour to have her here visiting – she’s been to the school four or five times now so it’s almost like she’s one of the staff.

“We feel it’s really important for the students to have role models like Kate Grey, not just in sport but in their lives.”