GLL and ParalympicsGB aim to identify new talent ahead of the London 2012 games to ensure that Britain stays one of the leading nations in the world of Paralympic sport.
The initiative kicked off last week with a Talent Day at Mile End Leisure Centre, Tower Hamlets, where members of the Paralympic team from the Beijing Paralympics were guests of honour. The day was organised by ParalympicsGB, in conjunction with GLL and Tower Hamlets Council.
The day featured almost all of the Paralympic sports and was designed to identify individuals who can be fast tracked onto a sporting pathway and potentially represent Britain at a future Paralympic Games.
Individuals aged between 13 and 35 took part in a series of trials and sporting tests, watched by Jody Cundy, who won two cycling golds at Beijing, Matt Skelhon, who won gold in the shooting and Heather Friederiksen, who won gold, silver and bronze medals in swimming.
GLL's deputy MD Peter Bundey said: ‘Events like this Talent Day are truly inspirational and are a fantastic showcase of the talent, commitment and dedication of Paralympic athletes, national governing bodies, performance directors and the British Paralympic Association.
‘GLL were able to make important contacts from this event to assist us promote inclusive sport within London and we would have no hesitation in supporting such an event in the future.'
ParalympicsGB's ‘talent pathways officer' Tabo Huntley said: ‘This is the fourth Paralympic Talent Day that we have run and every one so far has grown in popularity and success, with a number of athletes who have great potential already being identified.
‘I'm extremely grateful to GLL and Tower Hamlets Council for their support and assistance in organising this event, which has provided a great opportunity for disabled people in the area - who live close to venues for the 2012 Paralympic Games - to have a go at Paralympic sports and, who knows, one of them could be good enough to represent Britain at the Games in 2012.'
Simon Butler, active communities co-ordinator at Tower Hamlets Council, said: ‘This was a fantastic event giving disabled sportsmen and women a chance to take part in Paralympic sports and discover their potential.'
GLL operates 67 public leisure centres and is considered to be is the UK's most successful leisure trust.
