By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

Paratriathlon_USNovember 11 - Britain's Tanni Grey-Thompson has thrown her support behind triathlon's bid to be included on the programme for the Rio 2016 Paralympics.


Paratriathlon is one of seven sports hoping to be included when the International Paralympic Committee makes its decision next month.

"Paratriathlon has the ability to inspire and excite, one of the primary visions of the Paralympic movement," said Grey-Thompson, winner of 11 gold medals on the track and one of the most recognisable figures in the Paralympic Movement.

The "Paratriathlon For Paralympics" awareness campaign has continued into the world of social media, with a Facebook group "Paratriathlon for Paralympics" set up to promote the bid and for fans to voice their support.

Paratriathlon_Paralympic_bid

"Achieving an extraordinary profile for the sport within the Paralympic family is a major commitment for ITU," said Marisol Casado, the President of the International Triathlon Union and a member of the International Olympic Committee.

"With its fresh, exciting and dynamic essence, the sport is growing rapidly and increasing participations in both elite and 'sport for all' populations regardless of abilities."

The others who have applied are badminton, canoe, golf, powerchair football, taekwondo and triathlon while basketball have requested additional inclusion for their sport for athletes with an Intellectual Disability (ID athletes).

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