The four-time Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds held a special swimming lesson with a number of local schoolchildren last Friday, as part of a nationwide tour.
The swimming star visited the University of Bath as part of a nationwide tour, to encourage young people to get behind this year’s Sainsbury’s School Games.
The Games are a series of multi-sport events held across the UK.
The West of England regional finals will take place at the University of Bath on the 8th July 2015.
Simmonds, who competed at the 2006 School Games on her way to Paralympic glory, said: “The Sainsbury’s School Games are important to motivate and inspire millions of young people across the country to take part in school sport.
“The Games provided me with a great stepping stone in my career, and I’m sure there will be future stars competing in Bath this year.
“There are events happening across the region and I encourage young people to celebrate sport and get involved.”
The Paralympic star took part in an hour-long swimming lesson with pupils from Bathwick St Mary Primary School, as part of the national push to encourage young people to take part in this year’s event.
Bathwick St Mary pupil Emily Maclean, 11, said it was a once in a lifetime experience.
“Having a lesson from Ellie was really fun and very inspiring,” she added.
“I would love to maybe swim for Team GB one day.
“I want to keep swimming as much as I can because it is fun to do it with your friends. I’ll be swimming five times a week and hopefully keep competing.”
Sainsbury’s is committed to encouraging and enabling inclusive school sport.
As well as supporting the Sainsbury’s School Games, the retailer has donated over £150 million worth of equipment and experiences through its Active Kids scheme since it began in 2005.
