Search begins for the next generation of Irish Paralympic athletes

Launch of Paralympic Talent Search, supported by Cadbury Today saw the announcement of a major Paralympic Talent Search event to be held later next week. Just a few short weeks after the successes of London 2012, Irish Paralympic sport will open its doors to prospective athletes on Saturday 13th October at University College Dublin’s Sport Centre. The ‘Paralympic Talent Search – supported by Cadbury’ aims to encourage people with a physical disability 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, was at St Stephen’s Green today to help launch the event with fellow athletes Catherine Walsh (cycling), Heather Jameson (athletics) and Anne-Marie McDaid (rowing). Mark is always keen 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 disability or visual impairment and are keen to attend, you can register free at www.paralympics.ie.   Background Information – Event Programme (may be subject to change) Sports exhibiting at UCD include Archery, Athletics, Boccia, Cycling, Equestrian, Football 5-a-Side, Football 7-a-Side, Judo, Powerlifting, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby and Wheelchair Tennis.  

Time	Activity	Location
10:30am	Doors open
10:30am – 3:00pm	Registration	Lobby
10:30am – 3:30pm	Functional Assessment	Hall C
10:30am – 4:30pm	Sports Exhibitions Open	Hall B & 1st Floor Balcony
10:30am – 4:30pm	Cadbury Family Funzone Open	2nd Floor
4:30pm	Event Closed

 

Demonstration/Presentation Programme (Hall A)

Time	Activity
11:00am	Wheelchair Tennis Demonstration
11:30am	Football 7-A-Side Demonstration*
12:15pm	Athlete presentation by Mark Rohan and Q&A
1:00pm	Wheelchair Basketball Demonstration*
2:00pm	Athlete presentation by Michael McKillop and Q&A
2:45pm	Wheelchair Rugby Demonstration*

*Opportunities to try out with the Irish Team will follow these demonstrations

 

Training Session Programme:

Time	Sport	Location
1:30pm-3:00pm	Football 7-A-Side	Grass pitch opposite UCD Sports Centre
3:30pm – 4:30pm	Swimming	50m pool (invitation only)