Paralympics Ireland are to hold a one day event to allow the public to try out para-sport ©Paralympics Ireland

Paralympics Ireland have partnership with American multinational confectionery company Mondelez International to hold a one day event aimed at attracting new people and potential talent into para-sport.

The Irish Paralympic Sport Expo will be held at the National Indoor Arena on the National Sports Campus, with the event taking place on January 14.

A large number of the Irish team from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will be in attendance at the event, as they seek to inspire more people to take up para-sport.

“This event presents a great opportunity for all Para-sports in Ireland to capitalise on the massive interest generated by the performances of the Irish team at the Rio 2016 Games,” said Liam Harbison, Paralympics Ireland chief executive.

“It’s set to give young people with disabilities a chance to meet with the Irish team and try out sports most suited to their functional profile, hopefully leading to a longer-term involvement.”

Cyclist Peter Ryan and discus thrower Niamh McCarthy both competed at this year’s Paralympic Games, with the latter securing a silver medal.

The pair were part of the launch event at the National Indoor Arena, having both attended similar Paralympics Ireland events after London 2012.

It was claimed that the events put them on the path to competing at Rio 2016.

Niamh McCarthy participated in a similar event after London 2012 and went on to win discus silver at Rio 2016 ©Paralympics Ireland
Niamh McCarthy participated in a similar event after London 2012 and went on to win discus silver at Rio 2016 ©Paralympics Ireland

“I came to the event four years ago and after some initial testing by the athletics team on the day and further follow ups I was selected for the Fast Track talent programme in place at the time,” said McCarthy.

“Ultimately after a lot of support, guidance and incredible amount of hard work over the intervening four years I found myself on the podium in Rio.

“That is obviously the dream scenario for anyone planning to attend this event in January but nonetheless I’d urge people to come along, meet the team, and try out some Para sports; it’s set to be a great day.”

Participants will be screened on arrival and directed to try out the sports most suited to them, with wheelchair tennis, basketball and rugby among the sports which will have demonstrations throughout the day.

Athlete question and answer sessions are also set to be held at the event.

Those interested in attending have been encouraged to pre-register for the event, which will begin at 10.30am and end at 4.30pm, by completing an entry form.

The form can be accessed here