A YOUNG Special Olympian gave an inspirational talk as part of a global campaign to break down barriers for those living with learning disabilities.

Kiera Byland, aged 17, from Bromley Cross was one of 100 Young Ambassadors from across Greater Manchester who were chosen to promote the campaign, Play Unified, at a summit at Old Trafford.

The campaign aims to use sport and leadership skills to change perceptions of young people with learning difficulties and create a ‘unified generation’.

The teenager won three gold medals at the Special Olympic World Games in California last summer and believes the project will be a success.

She said: “I did a talk about my journey when I went to America and before I got into sport and the barriers that I had to overcome and also what I’ve done about awareness and the Special Olympics.

“I think it went really well, the students mixed in brilliantly as far as I could see and we all worked as a team.

“It was also very exciting to meet Jenna Downing world champion inline roller skater, who is a very nice person.

“I’m excited to see what things happen will happen from the summit."

It was one of eight nationwide special events organised to promote the campaign which is inspired by the principal that physical education in young people can help improve prospects and quality of life.

The Youth Summit was organised by Special Olympics GB in partnership with national charity The Youth Sport Trust and is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Kiera , a former Canon Slade School pupil, added: “It’s a really good idea and it allows you to make friends and work on team building.

“The athletes with disabilities just want to be accepted in an even playing field.

“Quite a few people said it was a great day and some of the ideas from students to get Play Unified in their schools were really great.”

As well as an inspirational talk from the youngest roller skater to turn professional, Jenna Downing, the summit also featured Paralympic swimmer Kate Grey.

Play Unified will be rolled out in 200 schools nationwide over the next two years, involving more than 18,000 young people.