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EFDS to support ParalympicGB “Sports Fest”

ParalympicsGB gold medallist Jonnie Peacock is encouraging disabled people to sign up to the first ever ParalympicsGB Sports Fest, which was announced today (Tuesday October 30), to be held at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford on Monday 3 December and Tuesday 4 December. EFDS will be present to support those in England wishing to take up sport at all levels too.

The festival will provide an opportunity for disabled people to try out different disability sports and explore how they can get involved. It will showcase summer and winter Paralympic sports, including para-triathlon and para-canoeing which will feature on the Paralympic programme for the first time in Rio. There will also be opportunities to meet the stars of the ParalympicsGB team from London, including Jonnie Peacock and to celebrate their amazing achievements and the inspiration they provided to the whole nation.

The T44 100m gold medallist is keen to support the festival. He was identified by the BPA in 2008 at a talent identification day and was supported in his first year in sport by the BPA’s Fast Track Power Programme before moving to a full-time UK Athletics programme.

“I am a walking example of how sport can change your life for the better”, he said. “Sport has totally shaped the person I am today. I went to a BPA talent day when I was 15 years old and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Sport gave me some direction. I am not saying that everyone can go on and win a Paralympic medal, but the process of getting more active or taking up a sport at a local club can definitely have a big impact on your life.”

 

BPA Chief Executive Tim Hollingsworth explained the festival further, saying:

“The festival is about building on the momentum of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. We know that the performances of our athletes will have inspired many disabled people to take up sport. This is not just about seeing who is out there who could one day pull on a ParalympicsGB vest, this is about giving people the chance to see what is out there that works for them. For some it might be coaching, officiating or volunteering, for others just the joy of taking part. We recognise that the hard work of our athletes this summer has inspired disabled and non-disabled people alike, but we also know that for many sport isn’t just about winning medals. So now, working with our partners, we hope to provide an opportunity to show all the different ways in which people can get involved.”

The Sports Fest, which is free to attend, will include either come-and-try sessions or information stands for the vast majority of the 22 summer and three winter sports in the Paralympic Games. There will also be a presence from the BPA’s online club signposting tool Deloitte Parasport, (www.parasport.org.uk). EFDS will be available for more information and support.

Anyone interested in attending can register via the ParalympicsGB website.

Jonnie Peacock and BPA Performance Director Penny Briscoe are available for interview on request. Please direct media enquiries to our Press Office: press@paralympics.org.uk or the duty press office phone 07717 587 055.