Sports stars’ visit inspires pupils

Jodie Cundy (centre) and Paul Sculthorpe with pupils (from the left) Leanne Jackson, Alex Marriott, Elizabeth Lloyd and Nicholas Rattue.

PARALYMPIC double gold medalist Jody Cundy and rugby league legend Paul Sculthorpe dropped in to inspire pupils at Failsworth School.

They were the guests of honour at the specialist sport college’s annual celebration of PE achievement.

Paul started his career at Royton Tigers before going on to play for Waterhead, St Helen’s and Great Britain.

A former Counthill School pupil, he won the rugby league Man of Steel Award two years in a row.

Jody, who lives in Swansea, won cycling gold in the 1km and team sprint on the track at the Beijing Paralympics.

He is training at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester for London 2012 and the school is sponsoring him.

The pair chatted to pupils and parents and signed autographs before the presentation.

Head of PE Sharon Murray said: “The children were really wowed. It was a brilliant evening.”

l Jodie Cundy (centre) and Paul Sculthorpe with pupils (from the left) Leanne Jackson, Alex Marriott, Elizabeth Lloyd and Nicholas Rattue.