A PARALYMPIC champion visited a host of Denbighshire schools last week to help raise the profile of disability sport.
Mark Colbourne, originally from Tredegar in Monmouthshire, scooped one gold and two silver medals as part of Team GB’s cycling team at the London Paralympic Games.
He visited Blessed Edward Jones, Rhyl High School, Ysgol Bryn Hedydd and Ysgol Esgob Morgan on January 24.
During his visit the gold medalist, who was also appointed MBE in the New Year's Honours for his services to cycling, spoke about his achievements in disability sport, about taking part in his debut Paralympic Games last summer, and winning medals.
David Lewis, Headteacher at Blessed Edward Jones said: "It was a great honour to have Mark Colbourne at the school.
“His presentation to students and staff was inspirational.
“We wish him every success for Rio in 2016."
Colbourne, who previously represented Wales at volleyball and was a keen amateur triathlete, took up cycling after breaking his back in a paragliding accident in May 2009.
Former Paralympian, Mike Hayes, who runs disabled basketball team, Rhyl Raptors, said: “It is great to have a guy of that stature visiting the schools.
“It shows people that there is a definite pathway, however you got your disability, whether you were born with it or got it later on in life.
He added: “It shows there is a world of opportunity available.”
At London 2012, Colbourne won ParalympicsGB's first Cycling medal in the Velodrome when he took to the track in the C1-3 1km Time Trial.
The following day, he set two world records in the C1 Individual Pursuit and became the first athlete in his classification to break the four minute mark during qualification.
Colbourne, set his second world record of the day in the final securing gold with a time of 3:53.881.
Headteacher, Ysgol Esgob Morgan, Tim Redgrave, said: “It was such an amazing event for us all. He told us all about his journey, from his accident through to the games in London.
“I have never heard such an inspirational story in all my life. We were all so moved by his story.
“This visit will last long in all our memories.”