Paralympics Ireland Launch Talent Search

Just a few weeks after the most successful Paralympic Games ever for an Irish team, Paralympics Ireland has started its search for the next generation of Irish Paralympic athletes. 08 Oct 2012

Ireland's Mark Rohan won handcycling gold on Day 9 at London 2012.

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By IPC

“As an athlete who has competed at six Paralympic Games, it’s fantastic that we’re already on the lookout for future talent."

Irish Paralympic sport will open its doors to prospective athletes on Saturday, 13 October at University College Dublin’s Sport Centre.

The ‘Paralympic Talent Search – supported by Cadbury’ aims to encourage people with a physical impairment to get involved in sport and to unearth potential Irish talent for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Athletes from Ireland’s most successful Paralympic team will be present on the day, alongside 18 exhibiting sports and various demonstrations.

The sponsorship of the event by Cadbury forms a natural extension of the brand’s sponsorship of the Irish Paralympic and Olympic Teams at London 2012.

Double Paralympic gold medallist, handcyclist Mark Rohan, helped launch the event with fellow athletes Catherine Walsh (cycling), Heather Jameson (athletics) and Anne-Marie McDaid (rowing). Mark is always keen to encourage emerging talent and has high hopes for the event: “It’s great to think that the team’s success in London will inspire others with a disability to try Paralympic sport. If you’d like to get involved and possibly compete, we’d love to see you at UCD.”

Cadbury Athlete Ambassador, Catherine Walsh, another double medallist at the Games, echoed Mark’s comments: “As an athlete who has competed at six Paralympic Games, it’s fantastic that we’re already on the lookout for future talent. Cadbury provided me with crucial personal support towards London 2012 and I’m thrilled that they are supporting the event.”

If you have a physical visual impairment and are keen to attend, you can register at www.paralympics.ie.