The room will form the centrepeice at The Royal School, Manchester, at The Seashell Trust and has been funded as a result of a three year partnership between BT and The Lord’s Taverners, the country’s leading youth sports charity who encourage youngsters with special needs to participate in recreational activities within a group environment.
 
Pistorius, who will be taking part in the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester next week, was on hand with the students who enjoyed exploring their new sensory play area which includes a variety of disability exercise and play equipment funded by BT and The Lord’s Taverners.

Together the two organisations are investing £400,000 ($579,000) over the next three years to install multi-sensory areas across the country which will enhance the lives of pupils throughout the UK.

The sensory room will enable the children at The Royal School Manchester to benefit from a range of equipment including Wii Fit, bubble tubes, mirror balls, sound and light floors and the use of an interactive soundwall.

The Royal School Manchester caters for students from 2-19 years with a range of sensory impairments, learning difficulties and additional complex needs.

The school’s new multi-sensory room will help to enhance the self confidence, social skills and future prospects of its pupils.



The school was recently judged by Ofsted to be an "Outstanding" school.
 
Pistorius said: "It’s a great honour to be here to support the school and see the pupils enjoy their new sensory play area.

"It’s quite amazing and humbling to see the expressions in their faces as they experience the sensory room and the incredible impact it has on the pupils."

Sir Mike Rake, the chairman of the BT Group, said:"Today has been a fantastic showcase of just what a great effect the sensory rooms can have on the children.

"We’re very proud to be working with The Lord’s Taverners to provide new sensory rooms around the country and are already looking forward to opening our next one."