MORE than 100 children from schools across Warrington attended a sporting “come and see” event designed to raise awareness of disabled sports and London 2012.
Volunteer sports coaches from Priestley College joined forces with representatives from Warrington Borough Council, Warrington Disability Partnership and the School Sports Partnership programme to host the day at Birchwood Leisure and Tennis Centre.
Guest of honour was Paralympian Mark Eccleston, a silver medal winner at Athens in 2004 in wheelchair tennis.
Mark who became a tetraplegic at the age of 16 and has represented his country all over the world wowed the children with his life story, illustrated by inspirational videos.
Everton Disabled Football Club were also present and put on a master class of skills before inviting the youngsters to join in.
Eddie Barker, Priestley’s FE sports co-ordinator, said: “To have so many high profile guests in attendance at the event such as the Mayor, Mark Eccleston and Everton DFC was excellent for the children.
“Events like this are all about encouraging the children of today to get out there and be active.
“It will be the first of many that will be arranged in Warrington during the next four years as we all build towards the unique spectacle that will be London 2012.”
Pictured are Priestley students and representatives from Warrington Disability Partnership with Paralympian Mark Eccleston (front left).
