By David Gold at the Main Press Centre on the Olympic Park in London

Michael Johnson_29-08-12August 29 - New Zealand's flag will be carried by shooter Michael Johnson at the London 2012 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony tonight.

The announcement was made at New Zealand House, where the country's High Commissioner Derek Leask welcomed athletes.

Johnson (pictured top) will be competing at a third Games in search of a third medal after picking up gold and bronze respectively at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

It was his performance in Athens which was particularly special as he won the Paralympic title with a world record perfect score.

"This will, without a doubt, be a highlight of my career," said Johnson, who was New Zealand's first world champion in his sport in 2006, and won the same title again in 2010.

"It's really great that we are getting recognition now.

"People coming up to me on the street to have my photo taken with them congratulating and wishing me good luck.

"This is probably one of my proudest moments.

"Representing my country in a third Paralympics is fantastic."

He has been a competitive shooter since 2001, having broken his neck in a car crash five years before.

Johnson also coaches youngsters and organises training camps, and has been preparing for the Games at the Swansea Rifle Club.

New Zealand has 26 athletes at the Paralympics competing in seven sports in total.

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