Paralympic Opening Ceremony, just three years away

Sports Minister Nelson McCausland is today marking the three year countdown to the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

The Minister said: “With only three years to go to the start of the Paralympics Games, I would encourage everyone to become involved and get inspired. Northern Ireland’s athletes are currently in training and focusing on that all important date of 29 August 2012, the Paralympic opening ceremony, when all their hopes and dreams of the previous three years will come to fruition.

“Northern Ireland has produced a number of talented Paralympians, who enjoyed considerable success at Beijing. Michael McKillop and Jason Smyth both brought home gold in 2008 and have provided inspiration to all in Northern Ireland to become the best that they can be.

“For many, this will be a once in a lifetime experience that we must grasp with both hands. I would encourage athletes of all abilities to become involved and aspire to be an Olympic or Paralympic medallist, a title that lives with you forever.”

Northern Ireland has several programmes underway to encourage participation in sport and in particular, Disability Sport NI (DSNI) and its Disability Sports 5 star Challenge. Over the life of the project DSNI aim to involve at least 65 schools in Northern Ireland and have 13,650 children participate in the programme by March 2013.

Angela Hendra, Chair of Disability Sport NI said: “I can’t believe how fast the time has gone and it is now only three years until the Paralympic Games in London. It is fantastic to hold it so close to home where more people from Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to see the events first hand and feel a part of such a monumental event. I am certain the Games will have a hugely positive impact on disability sport by increasing awareness and by inspiring more people with disabilities to become active in sport throughout Northern Ireland.”

Michael McKillop, Paralympic gold medallist and world record holder in 800m said: “The Beijing Games were an incredible experience and it was such an honour to bring home a gold medal. To have the 2012 Games taking place so close at hand in London will be fantastic. My training and racing have gone really well this season and I hope that when London 2012 comes round I will be in a position to successfully defend my Paralympic title.

Notes to editors:

1. The purpose of the Five Star Disability Sports Challenge project is to increase children’s awareness and understanding of disability sport and the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games; to positively address and challenge commonly held negative attitudes and misconceptions about people with disabilities; to help increase children’s understanding of the diversity of our community; and, to inspire and encourage more disabled and non disabled young people to become more active in sport.

2. All pupils in participating schools will receive a 40 minute presentation on disability sport and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games delivered by two people at least one of whom will be a successful disabled athlete (e.g. a Paralympic athlete or other elite sportsperson with a disability). 3. Primary 5-7 children will be given the opportunity to complete a circuit of five fun based sports activities including:

• Wheelchair Racing:
• Push 100m in a racing chair in 60 seconds (on static rollers).
• Wheelchair Basketball: score three ‘baskets’ in 60 seconds using a sports wheelchair.
• Boccia: throw three boccia balls into a target hoop.
• Kurling: push three kurling stones on to a kurling target mat.
• Goalball: throw a goalball (jingle ball) into a net when wearing eye shades.

4. For more information on the Five Star Disability Sports Challenge please log on to www.dsni.org.uk

5. The Inspire Mark is awarded to projects genuinely inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

6. All media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 9051 5045 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.