Schools Minister on mission at Erdington special school

May 7 2008 By Nick McCarthy

THE Schools Minister made a whistle stop tour of a Birmingham special school to raise awareness about the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics. Jim Knight was joined at the Wilson Stuart Special School, in Perry Common Road, Erdington, by paralympic swimmer Chris Holmes, and international volleyball player Denise Austin.

He talked to the children about the Olympics and the Paralympics, before watching a game of giant ball volleyball in the school hall.

Anne Tomkinson, headteacher at the specialist sports college, said: "It was a fantastic visit for everybody. He spoke to all the children really well and enthused them about the Olympics and taking part.

"It was great to know that he chose our school and it shows that we are clearly on the map. We do a lot of work in the local and wider community and we were pleased that he chose to come and see us.

"Chris and Denise were also particularly good. They gave a great talk to the children and got the message across about having belief in yourself and realising your dreams."

The dignitaries were at the school as part of a regional tour to raise awareness about the Olympic and Paralympic Games.