YOUNG people have attended the launch of a new Special Olympics campaign at Durham County Cricket Club in Chester-le-Street.

The campaign is part of a global movement to break down barriers for young people with learning disabilities.

Pupils from Durham Johnston Comprehensive School, John Spence Community High School, Cedars Academy, Bamburgh School, Harton Technology College and Durham Trinity School and Sports College were among those in attendance last Thursday.

The Youth Summit is one of eight special events being held across the country to launch Play Unified, a new Special Olympics GB campaign delivered in partnership with national charity the Youth Sport Trust.

Karen Wallin, chief executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “Play Unified is a global Special Olympics campaign aimed at breaking down the barriers and misconceptions towards people with intellectual disabilities.

“People with intellectual disabilities say they want to be included as equals in society.”

Paralympic swimmer Kate Grey and Commonwealth gold medal winning gymnast Craig Heap, who have themselves overcome adversity to succeed, attended the Play Unified summit in Durham, highlighting sport’s capacity to change lives and perceptions.

Ali Oliver, chief executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said: “Through these summits we will use the power of sport to provide a platform for young people to understand and value their peers with intellectual disabilities, build their confidence and give them the opportunity make new friends.

“Ultimately we want to create a unified generation.”