TWO schools have teamed up to tackle intolerance through the power of sport.

Special school Durham Trinity School and Sports College and mainstream secondary Durham Johnston are taking part in the Play Unified campaign organised by the Special Olympics to change perceptions of young people with learning disabilities.

Twelve children from the two Durham schools have spent time together over lunchtime literacy sessions to read and learn from each other.

Pupils from both schools are also collaborating on the production of Durham Johnston’s school newspaper, with children from both schools contributing to its contents, including book reviews and photographs of the group’s Play Unified activities in school.

Jane Young, Director of Sport at Durham Trinity School and Sports College, said: “A key focus for our project is to highlight how pupils thrive together learning from each other.”

She added: “The sessions have brought together two classes and pupils who wouldn’t normally mix during the school day, providing pupils with an appreciation of others and how to help those less able than themselves.”

Andrea White, PE teacher at Durham Johnson, said: “Our schools have always worked closely together and this gives us a wonderful base to ensure as many pupils as possible are touched by and feel the benefit of Play Unified.

“At Durham Johnston we have used the production of a year nine newspaper to launch our Play Unified campaign.

“This newspaper unites varied groups within our school, as well as engaging with other local schools.

“We have also recently completed a book review competition, inviting pupils from Durham Trinity School and Sports College to share reviews of their favourite magazines with Durham Johnston pupils.

“We’re very much looking forward to seeing further impact of the campaign in uplifting our pupils and empowering them to help drive inclusion in our schools and, ultimately, in the community more widely.”

Play Unified aims to break down barriers that exist for people with learning disabilities, both on and off the pitch.

The campaign aims to promote Special Olympics’ values, such as friendship, appreciation for others and self-worth through sports activities and cross-curricular activities.