Sports Fest is a free multi-sport event that aims to build on the interest generated in Paralympic sport and increase participation and opportunities for disabled people to get involved in sport following the success of London 2012.

Those attending will also get the chance to "meet the medallists, try the sports and get inspired", according to the British Paralympic Association (BPA).

Dame Sarah, who took four cycling gold medals at London 2012 to add to her two from Beijing 2008, is the first of a number of high profile Paralympians set to be announced for the event.

"I'm delighted to be named as a Sports Fest Ambassador - some of our most successful Paralympians have helped to promote this fantastic event and I am pleased I can be involved too," said Dame Sarah, who also has five swimming gold medals from Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996.

"After everything that sport has done for me, I truly believe that sport can change your life and this is an opportunity for lots of disabled people to find out more about how sport could change theirs.

"I'll be there myself along with my family and I'd really encourage other disabled people to come along and give sport a go."

The event in May follows on from three previous editions beginning with Surrey Sports Park in December 2012, which was followed by EIS Sheffield in April 2013 and the University of Worcester Arena last November.

As well as meeting Paralympic medallists visitors to the event can participate in a number of activities, including come-and-try sessions across a range of sports.

Kelly Gallagher's success at Sochi 2014 could inspire a new generation of Winter Paralympics, it is hoped ©Getty Images

Following the success of ParalympicsGB at Sochi 2014 which saw the team secure six medals in total, including gold for Kelly Gallagher, bronze for the wheelchair curlers and an impressive three silver and one bronze for Jade Etherington, special Alpine skiing taster sessions will take place during the festival at Manchester Chill Factore and at the Hemel Hempstead Snowcentre on Sunday April 13.

There will also be a special wheelchair curling session held at Braehead, Glasgow on April 5.

"It is brilliant to have a Paralympian of Sarah's calibre on board with us to support the next Sports Fest," said BPA chief executive Tim Hollingsworth.

"She is a tremendous athlete who has already been inspirational to so many people, disabled and non-disabled alike.

"We have every confidence that she will inspire many more at our festival of disability sport.

"Sports Fest continues to be an important part of our work in supporting the development of disability sport opportunities.

"We also want to make the most of increased levels of interest in disability sport, so in particular this time around we hope to see a high level of interest in our winter sports as a result of the Sochi Games.

"Hopefully we will give those who have been inspired by our athletes the opportunity to get involved in the sport of their choice."

To register for the event in Manchester click here. 

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