Big-Name British Athletes to Attend Paralympian Reunion

“I would recommend the event to anyone from past Paralympics to put their names down. We won't recognize each other but think of the memories it will raise.”

Registration for the first-ever Paralympian Reunion is now open and remains so until 31 March.

The event, to be hosted at the Guildhall in London on 7 September during the Paralympic Games, will be the first of its kind, reuniting Paralympians from all over the world for what promises to be an evening to remember.

Great Britain’s first-ever Paralympic gold medallist, Margaret Maughan, has already confirmed her attendance.

Maughan won gold in Archery at the Rome 1960 Paralympic Games, and her medal remains on display in the British Museum.

“I would recommend the event to anyone from past Paralympics to put their names down. We won't recognize each other but think of the memories it will raise,” Maughan said.

“It would be lovely to meet up with anyone from other countries who were there. I know one other Brit so far who is also down to go from that year, and several from other years. Who knows, I may be dead before the next Games, having got to 84 now.”

Also in attendance will be Great Britain’s Robert Barrett, who represented his nation at the Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games.

Barrett, a below-the-knee amputee, won bronze in the 100m and 200m sprints in Seoul and competed in the Pentathlon and 4x100m relay in Barcelona.

“There has never been an event like this in the history of Paralympic Sport,” Barrett said of the Reunion. “It feels with London 2012 we are embarking on a new age for Paralympians, and the fact that we are bringing together so many wonderful athletes from around the globe who have helped us to get to this historic age is a gift for all to share.”

“It will help those within the Paralympic Movement to believe that they also have a wonderful and historic past, and with just as many amazing Paralympic athletes as Olympic, and that we are part of a greater family who, although gone, are not forgotten.”

The Reunion will commence at 15:00 and finish at 18:00, and all Paralympians are invited to bring one guest.