PARALYMPICS More Irish Qualifiers

The Union Cycliste Internationale(UCI) has announced the next round of athletics slots to National Paralympic Committees around the world for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. Following major advances in Irish Paralympic cycling in recent years under the direction of Chairperson of Ireland’s Disability Commission, Denis Toomey, the Irish squads efforts have significantly paid off with an allocation of three male and one female  places. This exceeds the anticipated number of places and now guarantees a large presence on the Irish team for the Beijing Games. The riders selected will compete in both road and track events at the Games.
Following the UCI announcement Denis Toomey stated “This is beyond our dreams to go from one bike in Athens to four in Beijing. I’m delighted for the riders who have given everything to qualify for the Games in the last few years. It is also recognition for the support given from the PCI and the ISC”

The International Paralympic Table Tennis Committee has also announced the provisional allocation of places for the 2008 Games. Included in the allocation is one place for Ireland. The sport makes a welcome return to the Irish Paralympic Team following a break in Athens. Included in the allocation is a list of reserve players who may fill the Bipartite Commission Invitation slots in the coming months. A second Irish player is well placed to secure one of these places. 

For Further Information: Paralympic Council of Ireland website: www.pcireland.ie