PROUD youngsters at Underhill Junior School on Portland knew the Olympic sailing events are happening this summer.

But when asked by island sailing star Megan Pascoe what was happening two weeks later, guesses ranged from ‘I’m leaving school?’ to ‘Easter?’ before one bright spark said ‘the Paralympics’.

“There you go!” said Megan, 25, who is campaigning for Team GB selection to compete at the home Paralympic Games.

She said: “There are two different competitions going on – both involving professional athletes, the only difference is that you have to be disabled to compete in the Paralympics.

“The Paralympics was set up about 40 years ago to get more disabled people competing at a higher level.

“There are only about 180 days until the 2012 Paralympic Games start, there will be events taking place all over the country but here in Weymouth and Portland we’ve got the sailing, it’s very exciting.”

Megan, who lives in Fortuneswell, used photographs to introduce the pupils to her teammates and the three types of boat involved.

There is the big 23ft Sonar keelboat, with three sailors on board – Portland’s John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Steve Thomas who have been selected to represent Great Britain.

She explained that John had lost the use of his legs following a motorbike accident, Hannah had been born without a lower right arm and Steve had lost his lower legs to save his life from meningitis.

Megan said four-times World Champions Alex Rickham and Niki Birrell were ‘the ones to watch’.

Alex lost the use of her legs following a diving accident, and Portland’s Niki, who like Megan has cerebral palsy, will be representing Team GB in the Skud-18 class – the ‘prettiest’ and ‘fastest boat downwind’.

Megan said: “When I was born my brain didn’t fully develop on my left side so my right side doesn’t quite work properly.

“But I’ve always loved sport, I can do everything except netball.”

She explained that unlike running where all the best athletes can compete, in sailing only one team per boat can enter.

She added: “In the 2.4 we’ve got two people who are quite good – me and Helena Lucas – so we’re still trying to decide who’s going.”

Thrilled Year 3 pupils at Underhill tried on Megan’s medals and asked her about training and diet.

They were reassured that she could eat chocolate as long as she went to the gym.

When asked: “Is it hard being an athlete?” Megan said: “It is hard. It’s good fun to go to amazing places in the world but it’s hard because I spend a lot of time away from family.”

Teacher Sharon Chapman described the visit as ‘very inspirational’.

Meeting an Olympic sportswoman

• ROSIE Wadley, aged eight, said: “I think Megan should be proud of the medals she’s won.

“It’s good we have the Paralympics so people with disabilities can join in.”

• HONEY Milton, aged eight, said: “It was good fun because it was about people who had difficulties.

“It will help other people with disabilities to know they can do it too.”

• ALEX Gush, aged eight, said: “I learnt that being in the Olympics is quite hard and that it’s fun sailing.

“And it’s fun being an athlete.

“I went on a boat before, my dad’s boat.”