Peterborough: Paralympians Visit Schools

7 November 2012, 12:38 | Updated: 7 November 2012, 12:43

Three athletes from Cambridgeshire, who won medals at London 2012, have visited several Peterborough schools to celebrate their success.

Wisbech cyclist Jody Cundy, Cambourne swimmer Harriet Lee and Matt Skelhon from Stilton, who won two medals in the shooting, spent time with students from Orton Bushfield Academy, Jack Hunt School, Heltwate School, Phoenix School, Marshfields Special Schools and Matley Primary Schools. 

It's hoped their visits will also help inspire more disabled young people to get into sport. Figures from Vivacity, which runs sports and leisure services in Peterborough, show around 250 disabled people currently play sport every week in Peterborough. 

The athletes were also presented with 'civic gifts' by the Mayor of Peterborough during a presentation at the Peterborough Embankment Sports and Athletics Arena. 

Swimmer Harriet Lee [pictured - below], who won bronze at London 2012, told Heart: "This is a great opportunity to get kids out there interested in sport. 

It also shows kids that they have the chance to get to a Paralympics too - they could be winning a medal in four, eight or 12 years time." 

Matt Skelhon [pictured - above right] from Stilton, who won silver and bronze in mixed rifle events, told Heart he really appreciates all the local support he got at London 2012: "It means a lot to me. 

Any support is really good, but when the people close to you and nearby where you live are behind you, it really helps I think."