9 years ago

His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex has accepted an invitation to become the British Paralympic Association’s Patron.

This welcome news comes during the crucial final ten months of build-up to the 2004 Paralympic Games due to take place in Athens, Greece, from September 17-28, using the same facilities and venues as the Olympic Games.

The Earl of Wessex, youngest child of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, has always had a keen interest in sport and organisations, such as the BPA, who provide young people with an opportunity to realise their full potential.

The Earl visited the Paralympic Games in Barcelona in 1992 and has kept an interest in the team’s achievements since that time.

In 2000, Britain’s Paralympians came second only to hosts Australia on the overall medal table. As such, they constitute one of Britain’s most successful multi-sport teams of all-time.

The Paralympic Games of 2004 will feature 4000 athletes from 135 countries competing in 18 sports. Britain’s team will include over 200 athletes.

"We are absolutely thrilled that The Earl of Wessex has chosen to become our Patron. We are sure that he will focus further attention on our elite sportsmen and women as they strive to be the best in the world", said BPA Chief Executive Phil Lane today.

For further information contact: The British Paralympic Association press office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or (07831) 755351