Best ever Paralympics for SportsAid athletes
12 Sep 2012
London 2012 was the most successful Paralympic Games in SportsAid's history, showing that the charity continues to support the right athletes at the right time and in the right way, during the vital early years of their careers.
The 27 gold medals won by athletes who have received SportsAid's support was a 68% increase on the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, where SportsAid athletes won 16 gold medals between them.
And of the 201 SportsAid athletes who competed for ParalympicsGB this year, 135 have received their support since Beijing - showing that the charity and its partners continue to be a vital stepping stone on the pathway to success.
SportsAid's Chief Executive Tim Lawler said, "British athletes have once again shown how inspirational they can be and that a small investment in their futures can bring enormous pay offs in the long run.
"We want this cycle to continue so we urge anyone who has been inspired by London 2012 and who would like to help the next generation, particularly in the area of disability sport, to contact SportsAid."
Photo: London 2012 Paralympic gold medallists Jonnie Peacock and David Weir, above, have both received support from SportsAid during their careers (from Action Images).
SportsAid's Patron
As SportsAid’s patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge is helping to shine a light on the achievements and potential of young athletes throughout the UK – an inspiring generation who one day hope to represent the nation at the Olympic or Paralympic Games. SportsAid alumnus Sir Chris Hoy welcomed the patronage by saying, “SportsAid played an important role when I was starting out so I know what a huge boost this will be to the young sportsmen and women the charity helps today. As patron Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will give them the profile they deserve.”
