PARALYMPICS London 2012 Paralympic Training Camp begins in Limerick as James Nolan is announced as Head of Paralympic Athletics

Over 100 athletes and staff gathered in Limerick today as the first Renault Ireland Team 2012 Camp of the London Paralympic cycle began. The training camp, which is being held at the Carlton Hotel, Castletroy and the University of Limerick, includes a series of training sessions, information sessions and a motivational presentation from Head of the Irish Institute of Sport, Gary Keegan in which he will outline the steps to the success of the Irish Boxing team from Beijing 2008. Over the course of the camp, the PCI will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Paralympic Games which took place in Rome in 1960. The only surviving member of that Irish Team, Oliver Murphy, will address the current panel of athletes during the camp.

The camp will cater for nine sporting disciplines and for the first time in PCI history, includes athletes representing the sports of Rowing and Hand Cycling. Speaking at the camp this morning, Paralympic Performance Director, Nancy Chillingworth said "We are delighted to be back in Limerick as we start the final two years preparation for Ireland's participation in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. With the support of Renault Ireland and the Irish Sports Council, a further five camps will be held in Limerick between now and the Games."

The Paralympic Council of Ireland is also pleased to announce the appointment of James Nolan as Head of Paralympic Athletics. Mr. Nolan will be responsible for implementing the High Performance Programme for Paralympic Athletics over the coming years as part of the lead up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Speaking on his appointment to the position, Mr. Nolan said, "I am delighted to take up this position with the Paralympic Council of Ireland and look forward to helping Irish athletes achieve their potential in London 2012"

A native of Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Nolan who an Irish international runner from 1996 until his retirement from competition in 2009, specialized in middle distance running and represented Ireland with distinction at two Olympic Games.

For Further Information: Contact Paralympic Council of Ireland Communications Officer John Fulham at email address communications@pcireland.ie, Mobile 087-2709182 or visit the Paralympic Council of Ireland Website www.pcireland.ie