Paralympian visits Telford school to mentor and inspire students

Archer Mel Clarke, who was narrowly beaten to the Gold medal by Telford athlete Danielle Brown, is a former World and European champion and has now set her sights on inspiring students and young people in schools and clubs around the country.

The Lord Silkin School in Stirchley will welcome the athlete on November 5 when she will hold a series of sessions aimed to inspire and motivate both disabled and able-bodied students.

Headteacher Trevor Goddard said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome Paralympian Mel Clarke to the school. As a Project Ability school we are proud to be able to say we support young disabled pupils in their desire to take part in competitive sport, and having Mel here is the icing on the cake. I've no doubt it will be an inspiring afternoon for our students.”

The Telford school is one of 55 in England which are part of the Project Ability programme, recognised for their expertise in engaging young disabled people. Through the School Games programme, set up by the Youth Sport Trust, schools can improve the quality and extend the provision of physical activity for disabled pupils by providing bespoke training and local advice including the development of school activity clubs.

Mel said: “I'm really looking forward to spend some time with the pupils at the Lord Silkin which has an established reputation for inclusion with a higher number then average of disabled students. I'll be talking to them about my Paralympic experience which will hopefully motivate and inspire them to go on and achieve in whatever they choose to do after leaving school."

Students at The Lord Silkin School will be taking part in team building exercises and games, an archery taster session and Mel will also work with a group on preparations for a special Leadership Day in December for both disabled and able-bodied students.