Nine-times Paralympic gold medallist announced as latest speaker for British Blind Sport Anniversary Dinner

Nine-times Paralympic swimming champion Lord Chris Holmes will speak at the British Blind Sport Anniversary Dinner later this year ©British Blind Sport

Nine-times Paralympic swimming gold medallist Lord Chris Holmes will speak at the British Blind Sport (BBS) Ruby Anniversary Dinner at the Mallory Court Hotel in Leamington Spa in November, it has been announced.

Holmes remains the only British swimmer to have won six gold medals at a single Paralympic Games at Barcelona 1992 and he joins David Moorcroft, the former 5,000 metres world record holder, on the list of speakers for the dinner, which will be held to mark 40 years since BBS was founded.

He competed for Britain at four Paralympic Games between Seoul 1988 and Sydey 2000, securing a total of 16 medals.

He has been a member of the House of Lords since 2013.

The 43-year-old was involved at London 2012 as director of Paralympic integration and now works as head of disability at the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

“I am delighted and honoured to be speaking at the British Blind Sport 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner,” Holmes said.

“I know just how much sport can offer visually impaired people and knowing the amazing work that British Blind Sport has done in their 40 years and continues to do is genuinely inspiring.

“I am looking forward to what promises to be a great night celebrating British Blind Sport.”

Former 5,000 metres world record holder David Moorcroft is also due to speak at the British Blind Sport Ruby Anniversary Dinner — Former 5,000 metres world record holder and ex-chief executive of UK Athletics David Moorcroft is also due to speak at the British Blind Sport Ruby Anniversary Dinner ©Getty Images

The event itself, due to take place on November 26, celebrates 40 years of BBS following their establishment in 1975 and is expected to be attended by a number of special guests and Paralympians.

The announcement of Holmes as a speaker for the dinner comes after Moorcroft was named as the latest BBS patron as part of the charity’s anniversary celebrations.

Barcelona 1992 Olympic 400m hurdles champion Sally Gunnell, England blind football manager Tony Larkin and Paralympic judo star Ben Quilter and five-time Paralympic gold medallist Noel Thatcher are also on the list of BBS patrons.

The organisation provides visually impaired people with the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports with a mantra of “making a visible difference through sport”.

Tickets for the dinner are still available and can be purchased by getting in contact with BBS Fundraising Manager Ian Carr at [email protected].