UK public want to see more Paralympic sport

The survey, carried out on behalf of the London 2012 Organising Committee, showed that Athletics, Basketball and Swimming topped the list of sports that the public associate spontaneously with the Paralympic Games. There was also high awareness of Archery, Shooting and Table Tennis.

However, 69 per cent of respondents could not name a Paralympian - Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson was the best known. There was also a lower awareness of the Paralympic Games among younger age groups, especially those under 24.

Sebastian Coe, London Organising Committee Chair, said: 'We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change, and one of the key legacies the London 2012 Paralympic Games can leave is to change public and media attitudes towards people with a disability.

'This research gives us an important insight into attitudes towards Paralympic sport and we will use it to underpin our plans. We will build on the high level of awareness, and, working with the International Paralympic Committee and the British Paralympic Association, make sure we take every opportunity to educate, engage, inform and inspire the UK public and the world over the next four years and deliver a truly memorable Paralympic Games in 2012.'

London 2012 also published a guide to the Paralympic Games, including the history of the Games, plans for the London Games and information about each sport and classifications.

Read the full media release