United States are using the event in the hope of boosting their Paralympic team at Rio 2016 and beyond ©Getty Images

A free recruiting and educational event is to be held in Atlanta on May 21 in order to encourage potential Paralympians to improve and take up athletics.

Jointly held by BlazeSports America in conjunction with US Paralympics, the “Gateway to Gold Experience” is aimed at those who already compete at a high level and are targeting Rio 2016, as well as beginners with longer term aims.

The "goal of the event is to introduce individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments to Paralympic track and field", a statement said, with coaches welcome as well as athletes.

People can sign up even if they have not participated in track and field before and want to learn more.

It is also billed as an opportunity to use equipment usually inaccessible, like performance wheelchairs.

Recruiting days are seen as a means to find the next Paralympic superstar to follow the likes of wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden ©Getty Images
Recruiting days are seen as a means to find the next Paralympic superstar to follow the likes of wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden ©Getty Images

“The US Paralympic Team strives to be the best in the world," said Rick Adams, chief of Paralympic Sport and National Governing Body Organisational Development at the United States Olympic Committee.

"But we cannot get to the top of the podium without the help of community partners like BlazeSports America.

“With the help of BlazeSports in hosting this Gateway to Gold Experience, US Paralympics might find the next great Paralympic champion in Atlanta’s backyard.”

Prospective athletes will be trained on a variety of skills that can help determine their aptitude for Paralympic sport.

Entry is free, with more information available here.

Similar events are being held throughout the country this spring in preparation for the summer Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.