BROTHER and sister Jemima and Will Browning, from Tadcaster, have been appointed to the Special Olympics Europe Inclusive Youth Activation Committee.

The duo, who are both students at Tadcaster Grammar School, have recently attended their first committee meeting in Frankfurt.

Special Olympics Europe covers 58 national programmes of which Special Olympics GB is one.

Jemima, 15, has been recognised for her contribution to the community which has been described as 'incredible' for a girl of such a young age.

Not only has she set up an inclusive swimming club for people with and without learning disabilities, she has also been looking to incorporate the club into the Special Olympics organisation.

Jemima's brother Will, who has Downs Syndrome, is part of the club in North Yorkshire.

“This is the most amazing and exhilarating news I have ever received," said Jemima, who is currently in Year 11 and studying for GCSEs. "To be told that my brother and I have been chosen for such an honour was unbelievable.

"I particularly look forward to the opportunities it will not only give Will and I but also the young people who are part of, or who wish to be part of, the Special Olympics in the future."

"I am extremely passionate about giving everyone a voice and am honoured to be able to represent the interests of young people within the context of the Special Olympics."

Will, a Year 10 student, is exploring the process with his family of becoming a Special Olympics athlete.

“I am so excited to be given this opportunity and to work with other people, like me, to make the future of the Special Olympics," he said.

Both Jemima and Will are among 18,000 youngsters in England, Scotland and Wales that Special Olympics is reaching through the 'Play Unified' programme delivered by Youth Sport Trust.

'Play Unified' seeks to break down barriers that exist for people with intellectual disabilities in order to create a ‘unified generation’.

Karen Wallin, CEO of Special Olympics GB, said: “We are thrilled that Jemima and Will have been appointed to this Special Olympics Europe Youth Activation Committee.

"These inclusive youth teams will work together for the next two years to bring the youth strategy in Special Olympics forward.

“They will create, develop and implement youth activation plans in their countries in strong collaboration with their National Program. Further they will serve as examples of youth activation for other Programs who want to develop and benefit from their experience in this area.”

Also on the committee for the next two years are youngsters from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, and Serbia.