A FORMER paralympian presented an award recognising Newport's continued support of disabled people in sport yesterday.

Pippa Britton, who is also chair of Disability Sport Wales, presented the organisation's 'insport' development bronze award to representatives from Newport Live and Newport City Council.

Newport City Council leader Debbie Wilcox and John Harrhy, chair of Newport Live, received the award at Maes Ebbw School.

Ms Britton, who used to train at Llantarnam Archery Club, said society is starting to "seamlessly" acknowledge the merit of disabled people in sport.

"When I was a club member at Llantarnam, the staff were incredibly supportive," she added.

"Somebody would always come out and help get my equipment from the car - anything they could do, they would.

"This wasn't special treatment, it was just the beauty of sport being inclusive."

The Surrey-born athlete, who retired in 2015, held multiple medals and world records during her 14-year career with the Team GB archery squad.

She made her Paralympics debut in Beijing 2008 and also competed in London 2012.

Ms Britton also said she believes that the growth in popularity of the Paralympic Games has only helped to improve the recognition of disabled athletes.

"People are now looking at paralympians as sportspeople, not as people with a disability who take part in sport," she added.

Newport Live took over the running operations of the Active Living Centre, the Newport Centre, The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre and the Newport international Sports Village on behalf of Newport City Council in April 2015.

Mr Harrhy said that the Disability Sport Wales award demonstrates that the organisation is moving forward successfully.

"It's all about access and participation," he said. "We don't want there to be any barriers, and we are actively working to knock any down."

The presentation was held at Maes Ebbw School in Maesglas, where pupils enjoyed a visit from the Newport Live sports development team's 'Road to Rio' van.

Team members encouraged the schoolchildren to take part in various sporting activities, including volleyball, tennis, football and Ms Britton's field of expertise, archery.

Chris May, the school's deputy head teacher, said: "We encourage them to get involved in sport as much as they can.

"It’s a brilliant opportunity to get youngsters involved in sport and with the community."