Great Britain to launch National Paralympic Day

Saturday (7 September) will see some of Great Britain's most successful athletes make appearances at the Copper Box at the Queen Elizabeth Park in London, as part of a whole day of activities running across the country. 07 Sep 2013
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London 2012 Games Makers

London 2012 Games Makers look to the skies during a flyover at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics victory parade.

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By British Paralympic Association

"I'm absolutely delighted that I will be back in the Olympic Park as part of the celebrations for National Paralympic Day."

Quadruple gold medallist David Weir, triple gold medallist Sophie Christiansen and multi-medallist swimmer Ollie Hynd have been added to the line-up of Paralympic athletes who will be attending National Paralympic Day featuring the Mayor of London’s Liberty Festival at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, Great Britain on 7 September.

Weir, who won four gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, is looking forward to returning to the Park to relive the magic of the Games, which enraptured Great Britain, and the world, last year.

Ahead of the event on Saturday 7 September, Weir said: "National Paralympic Day will provide an opportunity for everyone to relive the excitement that surrounded the Paralympic Games last year and I think it's going to be a great day.

He added: “I'm absolutely delighted that I will be back in the Olympic Park as part of the celebrations for National Paralympic Day. I got to race in the Park almost every day of London 2012 so it will be amazing to be back there this weekend, once again celebrating with the British public."

Sophie Christiansen will also be amongst the dozens of athletes to attend National Paralympic Day, fresh from her success at the 2013 European Championships where she added another three gold medals to her collection.

Christiansen said: “I think it’s really exciting that we have the opportunity to celebrate National Paralympic Day for the first time. At London 2012, the country showed its love for Paralympic sport and the sale of tickets for National Paralympic Day has proved the continued interest and support.

“The great thing is that you don’t need a ticket to get involved on National Paralympic Day. I’m looking forward to meeting visitors to the park on 7 September and soaking up what I’m sure will be an incredible atmosphere. With so much happening on the Park that day, there really should be something for everyone to enjoy.”

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has also added her support for National Paralympic Day this week.

The multi-gold medal winning Paralympian and BPA patron said: “London 2012 provided our country with a month of unbelievable sporting success and the introduction of National Paralympic Day will only help to build on the great achievements of last summer. All the activity going on to celebrate the day supports the message that Paralympic sports are available for all and that it is taking place across the country.”

The Paralympic medallists will be joined on the day by several more athletes who have also already signed up to attend the London event on 7 September. They include Judoka Ben Quilter, sprinters Graeme Ballard and Sam Ruddock, discus thrower Aled Davies, table tennis player Will Bayley and powerlifter Ali Jawad.

Paralympic athletes will participate in a range of activities both inside the Copper Box and on the Park, including appearances on the main Liberty stage and autograph signings.

Outside of London, there will be an opportunity for youngsters to have a go at sailing in the coastal town of Poole with Paralympic medallist Helena Lucas at Poole Yacht Club.

People are being encouraged to register with volunteering charity Join In to get involved with sports clubs in their local area, and clubs across the country will be opening their doors to the public for people to watch or have a go at para-sport.

There are also lots of exciting community activities organised by the London Boroughs of Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest, Royal Greenwich and Barking and Dagenham supported by community organisations and sports clubs.

The fun day is full of sports activities to try out and get involved in. Vistors can have a go at wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and accessible climbing wall. Anyone can take part and all activities are supported by professional coaches.

National Paralympic day featuring the Mayor of London’s Liberty Festival will be the grand finale to a thrilling summer of celebrations marking the one year anniversary of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

All the 12,000 tickets which went on sale for the three sessions of elite sport taking place in the Copper Box arena have now sold out, but no tickets are required for visitors who are looking to access the Olympic Park to experience the atmosphere, try different sports and enjoy the Liberty Festival.

Artists and performers will also appear as part of the Mayor’s Liberty Festival, the popular annual showcase of deaf and disabled artists. Amongst the highlights will be “The Limbless Knight”, an inspiring aerial and sway performance from award-winning theatre company Graeae, whose artistic director Jenny Sealey co-directed last year’s Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony. There will also be a special appearance from Andrea Begley, who won the audience vote on BBC TV series ‘The Voice.

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