THE 46 MEMBERS of the Irish Paralympic team have begun preparations for the 2012 Olympics, with the squad set to attend a four-day training camp in Limerick.
The training will involve sports science and medical support, information sessions, media and team-building activities.
The squad, which encompasses ten different sports, has been given a target of five gold medals by the Irish Sports Council’s Beijing Review.
Speaking ahead of the event, Liam Harbison, Chef de Mission for the Irish team, said:
“With 138 days to go, and team selection due in June, the pressure on the athletes is growing to up their performances to secure their place at the London Games.
“The focus at this camp is very much on enhancing all aspects of performance and to provide essential support services to the athletes from our professional backroom team. As always the welcome in Limerick has been top class and we look forward to our final visit in August prior to departing to London.”
World Handcycling Champion, Mark Rohan, added:
“These camps are essential in our preparation as a team for London 2012. Bringing together athletes from 10 sports to mould them into one team is a complex task, but one in which Paralympics Ireland have succeeded greatly. The performance mindset of the whole team is sure to accrue great returns in London.
“The added benefit of the comprehensive sports science and medical services available ensures that all of the athlete’s needs are being catered for.”
The Irish Paralympic team is set to be announced formally on June 28 in Dublin.
