The day - which featured successful applicants from the Talent 2012: Paralympic Potential campaign - is a joint initiative between ParalympicsGB, UK Sport and the English Institute of Sport (EIS) EIS.

Athletes are put through their paces in a number of different sports in order to identify individuals with the talent to represent Britain in 2012 and beyond.

ParalympicsGB have held several talent identification days previously and they have proven very successful so far with between 40-50 per cent of attendees being identified as having talent and several going on to compete in their sports at international level.

ParalympicsGB chief executive Phil Lane told insideworldparasport: "These days are hugely important as they have managed to find a number of individuals who have gone onto to compete at international level.

"They have also enabled sports in Britain to build up their talent pools which allows high level internal competition which is great heading into 2012.

"But it is equally important to give people the opportunity to compete in sport at all levels, not just at elite level."

And while Lane stated that there is still time for talent to emerge for London 2012, he admitted that today is probably the last realistic opportunity to unearth a potential medal winner for the Games.

"I wouldn’t say it’s the final opportunity [to find talent for London 2012] but as we get closer to the Games, there is obviously less and less opportunity to get up to speed.

“But it is essential for us that we maintain and sustain this programme to Rio 2016 and beyond."

Also in attendance at Brunel was wheelchair basketball player Judith Hamer.

Harmer, who had one leg amputated at 15-years-old after she was born with one leg shorter than the other, was identified at a ParalympicsGB talent ID day and has gone on to represent Britain.

Harmer said: "I think it’s really important that people with a disability have a go at every sport out there to find out what they enjoy and what they are good at.

"That is why these days are so good because disability sport is not necessarily out there for people to compete in locally.

"I didn’t realise that I would be good at basketball before I attended the talent day and now I am playing for Great Britain.

"Also, coaches don’t know what talent is out there and this gives them the chance to spot athletes."

Harmer also admitted that London 2012 provides a huge incentive for people with a disability to attend the potential days.

She said: "London is a home Games and we are never going to have the chance to experience that again and that is so inspiring and exciting for me and everyone else here.”

London 2012 sponsor Cadbury supported the talent day and supplied employee volunteers assist.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected].


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