Paralympic hopeful Hamer stepping up her preparations for 2012
WITH exactly two years to go to the 2012 Paralympic Games on Sunday August 29, Paralympic hopefuls from up and down the country are gathering at the University of Bath to attend a ParalympicsGB preparation camp.
For many of the 150 athletes, all of who are part of Team 2012, the scheme presented by Visa which supports athletes and sports as they strive to be selected for the ParalympicsGB team, this will be their first experience of a multi-sport environment.
Amongst them is Judith Hamer from Exeter, who is aiming to compete in London in wheelchair basketball.
During the camp, Judith will be taking part in training sessions with her squad but also joining other athletes from other sports in workshop sessions to help understand the unique environment and pressures that a Paralympic Games brings.
"There is only two years to go to the Paralympic Games and it's really not that far away", said Judith. "I'm involved in this camp as I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to prepare for 2012."
"A Paralympic Games is unlike anything that I will have experienced before and the fact that it's on home soil adds extra excitement.
"I'm really keen for my local area to get behind me, it would be great to think that they will be there cheering me on if I make it."
Phil Lane, CEO of ParalympicsGB also encouraged people to step up, support their local athletes and get involved in the Games.
He said "We have been holding pre-Games camps since Atlanta in 1996 and research has shown that these particular camps are crucial to the team's preparation.
"It is fantastic to see so many athletes taking advantage of them — they are an integral part of our plans for London.
"We'd like to encourage the British Public to get behind the ParalympicsGB team and start planning their Games too."
Anyone interested in finding out about how they can get involved should visit www.London2012.com where they can find details of how to apply for tickets or how to register to become one of the 70,000 'Gamesmakers' (volunteers) needed to make the Games a success.
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