A TOTAL of 80 youngsters from nine special schools took part in a multi sports event at Dunnington Sports Club.

As part of the Sports Special School Sports Partnership event, the pupils were put through their paces for three hours by young Sports Leaders from York St John University, Scarborough Sixth Form College, Holy Family School, Carlton, and Mowbray School.

The schools rotated round a number of inclusive activities, which included a climbing tower, both adapted and mountain bikes loaned from York Sport Cycling, sitting volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, obstacle races, tee ball, similar to rounders, and orienteering provided by York Eborienteers.

The day was hailed a huge success by staff and pupils, who had a surprise visit by Paralympian fencer-turned cyclist Craig McCann, who competed at London 2012.

The schools who attended were Applefields and Hob Moor Oaks from York, Mowbray from Bedale, Springwater from Harrogate, Welburn Hall from Kirkbymoorside, The Dales and Hambleton & Richmondshire PRS from Northallerton, Woodlands School from Scarborough, and Carlton & Faceby, near Stokesley.