The first of the 2012 preparation camps for ParalympicsGB has opened today (January 4, 2010) at the University of Bath and coincides with the announcement of Dr Nick Webborn as ParalympicsGB’s chief medical officer for 2012.

Webborn, a former RAF doctor who spent time in both Headley Court and Stoke Mandeville as part of his rehabilitation from a spinal injury in rugby, has been working in disability sport medicine since 1992 and was the British Paralympic Association (BPA) Medical Officer at the 1996 and 1998 Paralympic Games. Webborn then worked as medical officer for the British Swimming squad up till the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. Following the Sydney Games he became the medical adviser for the BPA involved in strategic planning of sports science and medicine services up until the Beijing Games. He is also a member of the IPC sport science committee.

Webborn is a sports medicine expert with a wide experience in many Olympic and Paralympic sports. As a wheelchair tennis player he also represented Great Britain in the 2005 World Team Cup.

“I am absolutely delighted that I have been appointed to this position and I look forward to working with all the sports and their athletes over the next few years”, he said.

“I have always enjoyed the challenge of working with Paralympians: they are top flight athletes who give you extra challenges as a clinician because their sports participation and impairment creates problems not always found in the textbooks!

“My task will be to help get the team to the start line in the best possible condition. After that it will be up to them to win the medals.”

Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB’s Performance Director, commented on Webborn’s appointment, "We know that fit and healthy athletes form the foundation from which to build medal winning performances. We’re thrilled that Nick, one of the most experienced and respected practitioners in Paralympic sport, will be working with us as we prepare for 2012."

Nine sports will be attending the camp: archery, fencing, goalball, judo, powerlifting, shooting, table tennis, volleyball and both men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball. 

The athletes will live and train on site at the University of Bath, and will combine their training with various other activities designed to prepare them for the rigours of a home Games. 

The January camp is also being supported by various 2012 partners. Cadbury are providing volunteers as well as funding for some of the London 2012 hopefuls that have come through the Paralympic Potential days to attend. LloydsTSB are supporting the attendance of four of their local hero athletes, including three of the basketball squad. 

Phil Lane CEO of ParalympicsGB said:

‘We are delighted that our 2012 plans have kicked off. Since Beijing a lot of planning has taken place to ensure that we can provide the best multi-sport training environment. It’s great to see that finally taking shape here at the University of Bath and fantastic that we have the support of the wider 2012 family through Cadbury and LloydsTSB’s support."