PUPILS at Hillcrest Special School in Dunstable were visited by one of Britain’s greatest-ever Paralympians to mark 100 days before the start of the event.
Chris Holmes is one of the country’s most prolific Paralympians, amassing a total of 15 medals for swimming, including nine golds.
He spoke to the youngsters about his experience as a blind athlete, the impact it has on his life and how it is hoped the London 2012 Paralympic Games will help change society’s views of disabled people.
He told the Gazette: “The day went very well, it was really lovely.
“It was good to see the Paralympic Games being such a big part of their learning experience and it’s been good to be able to come and congratulate them on the work they’ve done.”
“But in particular, this has been a chance to get the message across to them that they still have the chance to see the Paralympic Games this summer.”
“I hope as many of them as possible take the chance of tickets going back on sale to make sure they are part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be there as the Games come home.”
Chris competed in four Games from 1988 to 2000, winning nine golds, five silver and one bronze medal. He became an MBE in 1992 for services to sport and is the director of Paralympic integration for the 2012 Games.
For more information visit www.paralympic.org