Year 6 pupils from The Albert Pye Community Primary School were delighted to meet paralympic champion Will Ellard recently. 
 
Will Ellard is a world record holder in swimming, having won three medals at the 2024 summer Paralympic Games in Paris, including a gold medal. Ellard is also from Beccles and was a former pupil at The Albert Pye Community Primary School. 
 
The swimmer was welcomed back to his former school to talk to pupils and answer their questions. The children greatly enjoyed asking Will about how he started his swimming career; his training regime; his experiences competing; his favourite meal and his inspirations.
 
Pupils were delighted to have the opportunity to hold a gold medal and take home autographs from Will.
 
The visit was hugely valued by members of the school Panathalon team. Albert Pye is very proud of the achievements of the school Panathalon team, which offers opportunities for children with SEND to compete in inclusive sporting activities.
 
Will’s visit also links in with the school’s literacy lessons and pupils will be referencing the visit in newspaper reports they are writing about Will. 15 pupils who have shown great enthusiasm and perseverance with their report writing will be invited to watch Will compete in April.
 
Louise Creed, Head of School at Albert Pye Community Primary School, said:
 
“We are hugely grateful to Will for visiting us, his former primary school, and taking the time to speak with so many of our pupils.
 
“Providing inclusive sporting activities for all our children is really important to our school and hearing from Will was a brilliant experience for Year 6.
 
“Will has thoroughly succeeded in inspiring our pupils and we look forward to continuing to cheer him on!”