PUPILS from Ysgol Tudno in Llandudno welcomed Tokyo 2020 Paralympics silver medallist earlier this week as part of a fundraiser to boost its budget.

James Ball, runner-up in the 1000m time trial track cycling last year, visited the school to inspire students to live a healthier, more active lifestyle.

James was working on behalf of Sports for Champions UK CIC, a community interest company providing opportunities for schools to collaborate with athletes to inspire students.

He led the visit by delivering a motivational talk, discussing his personal journey into sport and the obstacles he overcame, the benefits of exercise at any level and good nutrition, and the physical and mental rewards of being fit and active.

Pupils were encouraged to ask him any questions about his professional career, his top sporting tips, how they themselves can become more active and the benefits it can bring.

Following his visit, James said: “It was great to see the kids so excited and engaged!

“Whether children are looking to start a new sport for fun or thinking of taking a chance on their dreams and taking their discipline to the next level, everyone can reap the benefits of exercise.”

Following their inspirational talk, James led the whole school in a circuits class to show the pupils how anyone – no matter what their current fitness levels – can take that first step and achieve their goals.

Finally, James gave the children an idea of his top sporting abilities and brought medals to show the pupils.

Sports for Champions’ mission is to visit every school in the UK with their team of professional athletes to inspire children to lead a healthy lifestyle.

All athletes are unsponsored, with schools fundraising for both their athlete’s visit and to invest in more sporting equipment.