Six years to go to Paralympic Opening Ceremony

The second largest multi-sport event in the world, the Games will see 4,500 athletes compete in 20 sports over the course of two weeks.

The Paralympic Games and Paralympic Movement started with the Stoke Mandeville Wheelchair Games in 1948.

The 2012 Games mark the first where Olympic and Paralympic planning have been combined from the outset, and every effort is being made to ensure athletes and spectators alike have the best possible Games experience.

London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Sebastian Coe said: "29 August 2012 will be a great day in the history of sport for people with a disability in the UK.

"Our vision for the London 2012 Paralympic Games is to set new standards for services, facilities and opportunities for people who play sport with a disability."

Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Britain's greatest Paralympian, said: "The Paralympic Games will be a catalyst for a change in people's attitude about disability.

"This is not just about a two week period of time, it is about a whole culture change to inspire people and build facilities which can be used beyond the Games.

29 August 2006

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