TWO sporting heroes provided some inspiration to a group of future champions at an event for more than 700 schoolchildren. International hurdler Sara McGreavy and basketball player Tom Connors were the special guests at Stevenage s eighth Mini Olympics. S

TWO sporting heroes provided some inspiration to a group of future champions at an event for more than 700 schoolchildren.

International hurdler Sara McGreavy and basketball player Tom Connors were the special guests at Stevenage's eighth Mini Olympics.

Sara, who recently took fifth place in the 60m hurdles at the European Indoor Athletics Championships, showed the Year 4 and 5 pupils her medals and told them her story of dedication and determination to reach the top of her sport.

Tom, a street basketball player, spent the day demonstrating Harlem Globetrotters-style tricks.

Stevenage Borough Council organises the Mini Olympics for schoolchildren across the town at Stevenage Leisure Centre.

The council's sports development officer Matthew Warren said: "The Mini Olympics are always a great success but it was particularly special this time to have Sara and Tom come along to inspire the young people and share their skills and experiences.

"Both Sara and Tom said the Mini Olympics were by far the best event they had been to and both would love to come back to the next one.