Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, was joined by the likes of London Deputy Mayor Munira Mirza, as well as a host of British Paralympic gold medallists such as Aled Davies, Jonnie Peacock, Stef Reid, Kelly Gallagher and Charlotte Evans, as part of the event, which included the Mayor of London's Liberty Festival, showcasing deaf and disabled arts.

Highlights included a performance from integrated dance company Moxie Brawl, Deaf Men Dancing, singer Ren Harvieu, a sound installation from Jez Colborne and Mind the Gap, and a display from Paul Evans and Amelia Cavallo combining the talents of an aerial and vocal specialist and a visually impaired aerial singer.

"Two years ago the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony was an unprecedented opportunity for deaf and disabled artists and performers to showcase their talents to the world," Mirza said.

"For more than a decade, the Liberty Festival has also been breaking down barriers and challenging preconceptions, as well as entertaining people.

"Whether disabled or not, this year's event offers plenty for everyone attending the National Paralympic Day celebrations to enjoy."

The Mayor of London's Liberty Festival was one of the highlights of National Paralympic Day ©Getty Images




There was also some top-level action in the Aquatics Centre and Copper Box Arena.

British swimmers took on an international selection from Europe across two sessions in the pool.

An impressive performance from Alice Tai in the women's S9-10 100 metres backstroke was the highlight of the morning session, which saw Britain win eight of the 14 races.

A one-two-three clean sweep for Ben Procter, Jack Thomas and Craig Harris in the men's 200m individual medley was followed by a repeat from Bethany Firth, Jessica-Jane Applegate and Chloe Davies in the women's 200m to start the second session.

A win for the international team in the women's 34-point 200m freestyle was followed by back-to-back wins for Britain in the men's equivalent and in the mixed S14 200m freestyle to help the home side claim overall victory by 292 points to 229.

Britain took on a European select team in the pool at the London Aquatics Centre and emerged victorious ©Getty Images




Meanwhile in the Copper Box Arena, world number one boccia side Greece found themselves 3-0 down to Britain with Scott McGowan starring.

However, Greece showed their quality as the match wore on, chipping away at Britain's lead and drew level heading into the final end before sealing a 4-3 win with their last ball of the match.

Despite two early goals from Sarah Leiter and Laura Perry, Britain trailed Belgium 5-2 at the break during their goalball clash.

However, substitute Anna Tipton inspired a British comeback with a superb hat-trick to eventually help her side to a 7-5 win to delight the home crowd.

The final action of the day saw a thrilling wheelchair basketball clash between Britain and The Netherlands in a repeat of the opening match of London 2012.

The Netherlands won on that occasion and they proved the superior side once again after weathering a late British comeback to win 54-50.

An Anna Tipton hat-trick helped Britain to fight back and take the win against Belgium in their goalball match ©Getty Images



"Our ambition for National Paralympic Day is to give people the opportunity to relive the wonder of London 2012, celebrate what they love about the Paralympics and be inspired by it," said Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of the British Paralympic Association.

"The success of the events held today in London, Liverpool and Birmingham combined with the messages of support that we have received from across the UK, underlines the enthusiasm there is for Paralympic sport in this country.

"It will help us to carry the momentum from London through to Rio [2016 Paralympic Games]."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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