Pupils from Sidestrand Hall School and local primary schools getting sports equipment from Sainsbury's, and a taste of Olympic and Paralympic Games by taking part in seated volleyball and goalball. Kids pictured taking part in goalball. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

Pupils at a north Norfolk school were given the opportunity to take part in paralympic sports today as part of a nationwide challenge.

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A group of more than 50 children made up from six schools in the Cromer area took part in supermarket Sainsbury’s “1 million kids” challenge at Sidestrand Hall Special School.

Joined by local MP Norman Lamb and a team from the North Walsham store, the children tried their hand at goalball and sitting volleyball

Mr Lamb said this was a great time for young people to get involved with sports, especially with the impending London 2012.

He added: “I am immensely impressed by these schools coming together and breaking down barriers.

“The children were clearly having a wonderful time. It is so good to see local schools working together.”

The challenge enabled the children to experience playing a paralympic sport using techniques such as being blindfolded or sitting on their knees.

Assistant headteacher and physical education co-ordinator at Sidestrand Hall Neil Patrickson, said this was a “completely different skill” for the pupils to learn.

Headteacher Sarah Macro, added: “This event has brought together pupils with wide-ranging needs and further develops their understanding of disabilities.”

The group was made up of pupils from Sidestrand Hall, Cromer Academy, Cromer Junior School, St Mary’s Endowed Primary School in Roughton and The Belfry Primary School in Overstrand. The sports equipment was donated through Sainsbury’s “active kids” programme.

Nationwide 5,726 schools in total have signed up for the “1 million kids” challenge, with 1,948,867 pupils across the country pledged to take part in a paralympic sport - almost double the target.

• Although the challenge ends at the end of this month there is still time to take part. For more information call Sainsbury’s helpline on 0844 415 8440.

• To view more photos of the pupils playing the paralympic sports click on the photo gallery in the top right hand corner