Trevor Ringland, NI Conservatives’ spokesman for sport, has urged “everyone in Northern Ireland to take inspiration from the achievements and remarkable stories of our Paralympic athletes”.
“Just a couple of weeks ago we were all uplifted by the sensational contribution of Northern Irish competitors in the Olympic Games”, Trevor commented. “Now we have an opportunity to be inspired once again, by another set of remarkable athletes”.
“4,200 competitors, across 21 sports and 147 countries will take part in these Games, including 8 athletes from Northern Ireland. Many people from these shores will also be among the 70,000 volunteers who eagerly offer their time and energies to make the competition a success. The Paralympics are an astonishing testimony to a ‘can do’ spirit, which, if it could be harnessed on a day to day basis, could do so much to combat the current economic problems we find ourselves in.”
“Once again, as in the Olympics, Northern Ireland should be bursting with pride over the 8 athletes we are sending to the Games, both as part of Team GB and as part of Team Ireland. We are even providing the competition’s ‘Usain Bolt’ in sprinter Jason Smith, widely known as the ‘fastest Paralympian on earth’!”
“All of the competitors’ stories are remarkable though, as are their dedication and hard work. Let’s enjoy watching their performances. Let’s applaud their efforts and, hopefully, celebrate their triumphs. But let’s also be inspired by their example to try to recapture the same indefatigable spirit which they show, by always trying to be the best that we can be and trying to build the best Northern Ireland that we possibly can.”