The former RAF Sergeant was selected to represent Scotland in the 2022 Wheelchair Rugby World Cup and took part in the RAF Benevolent Fund at the veteran games in the summer.

Wheelchair rugby was a huge hit at this year’s Rugby World Cup and Pete, who now lives in King’s Lynn, said he was “super proud” to get the call up to play for his native Scotland.

This month he spent an entire day with the students at Ely St Mary’s with staff and students listening to his story and trying out a new sport.

The school, which is part of the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust, was also treated to an assembly led by Pete.

He explained his RAF career and how he came to be a Paralympian, competing in wheelchair rugby as well as seated volleyball, cross fit and swimming. 



Later, he helped run PE classes and gave the children the opportunity to try out seated volleyball for themselves.

Tom Greenwood, PE lead at Ely St Mary’s, said: “We all had such a great day when Pete came into school. He was a real inspiration for the pupils, and they really enjoyed trying something new out.

“The seated volley involved using a tennis net in the hall and children not being allowed to raise themselves off the ground to return a shot. It was great fun!

“They were also given an assembly about how he came to do what he does, and I know they all found his story so interesting.”

As part of their time with Pete, the children asked questions about his years in the military and how his career and sporting achievements have led him to travel the world.

Pete now champions his sport wherever he goes and offers young people the opportunity to try out wheelchair rugby and other inclusive sports at Lynn Sport in Kings Lynn.

Headteacher Rachel Clarke said: “We are all so grateful to Pete Lauder for giving up his time to spend the day in our school. The staff and pupils thoroughly enjoyed having him here. What a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn from Pete and all his amazing experiences and achievements and to try out a sport with one of its leading players. 

“It’s so important for our pupils to hear from inspirational members of the community and Pete certainly fits that bill.”