PUPILS from across Cumbria took inspiration from Olympians and Paralympians at an event in Barrow last week.

Five schools from the county made their way to Hoops Basketball Centre for an Inclusive Sports Leadership Day on Thursday, May 2.

Most of the students attending had special educational needs, with the day designed to showcase how to include everyone in sports activities.

A spokesperson from William Howard School, which saw nine of its pupils involved, said: "Former Paralympic basketball player, Paula Johnson, brought a set of wheelchairs for students to use so they could experience how it feels to access sport from a chair.

"These chairs proved very popular with most students wanting to try them out - many commented on how tired their arms were and how small they felt."

The Mail: The children learning what it takes to work as a teamThe children learning what it takes to work as a team (Image: William Howard School)

The event was also a way for different schools to come together, with 'lots of laughter and competitive spirit' on display.

"The students then worked together in new teams to discuss what it means to be a leader and the skills required to lead successfully.

"It was great to see everyone contributing and keen to present their ideas."

The Mail: The pupils listened to 'inspirational' speeches to encourage them to stay involved with sportThe pupils listened to 'inspirational' speeches to encourage them to stay involved with sport (Image: William Howard School)

Charlotte Hartley, a former Olympic hockey player, gave a speech to the children, alongside Sports Ambassador Joe Morgan.

"He talked about how hard he works to improve his strength despite his disability and how everyone can be successful if they believe in themselves," the school explained.

"The day culminated with students working in new groups again and creating their own games choosing from the huge range of different sports equipment on offer.

"They tried out their own games and then went on to demonstrate their games to other teams acting as leaders."

The Mail: Sanside pupils with former Olympian Charlotte HartleySanside pupils with former Olympian Charlotte Hartley (Image: Sandside Lodge School)

Another of the schools represented at the event was Sandside Lodge, which caters for pupils aged between two and 19 with special educational needs around the Ulverston area.

A spokesperson from Sandside commented: "The students had a brilliant time developing their leadership skills with Charlotte and the inspirational Joe."