A CAMPAIGN to use sport to fight intolerance in schools has reached almost 30,000 youngsters in its first two years.

Play Unified, a Special Olympics GB campaign, has involved schools across the North-East in work to change perceptions of young people with intellectual disabilities and end bullying.

It aims to spread understanding, acceptance and friendship by youngsters playing and training together.

Durham Johnston School and Durham Trinity School are among 200 schools which have signed up to the Play Unified campaign, which recently held a summit at Durham County Cricket Club, in Chester-le-Street.

Ali Oliver, chief executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said: “We passionately believe in the power of sport to change young lives for the better.

“This project is so important to us because of the clear need for positive change for young people with intellectual disabilities”.

She added: “To see such significant strides being made through this campaign is really encouraging - but there is still more to be done”.