By Nick Butler

Attendees participating in activities during Paralympics GB camp at Team Bath ©ParalympicsGBA ParalympicsGB Potentials Camp at the University of Bath this weekend provided another important stepping-stone for 60 budding athletes aiming to compete at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in less than two years' time.


After similar and successful camps were held ahead of London 2012 and Beijing 2008, this was the second such event in the Rio 2016 cycle, with the aim to provide aspiring Paralympians with an understanding of the pressures of a Games environment.

Of those who attended the first camp, hosted at the same venue in January, 60 per cent have gone on to represent Great Britain at World or European Championships this summer, claiming five gold, 12 silver and six bronze medals between them.

Attending athletes this time around were nominated by their sport based on their potential to be selected to qualify for the Games, with the sports of archery, cycling, wheelchair fencing, goalball, judo, powerlifting and football among those represented.

London 2012 compound silver medallist Mel Clarke and mixed coxed four gold medal winning rower Naomi Riches were among those on hand to offer advice.

Judoka Ben Quilter demonstrating his sport during the camp ©ParalympicsGBLondon 2012 compound silver medal winner Mel Clarke was present at the Paralympics GB Potentials Camp ©Getty Images



Also present were two bronze medal winners, sprinter Ben Rushgrove and under 60 kilogram judoka Ben Quilter.

"It's always good to share things I've learnt along the way," said Quilter, who was particularly recounting his experiences of competing at the Games.

"So if I can help anyone out, whether it's a lesson that I learnt the hard way or the advice that someone gave me back in the day, then it's always good to pass it on."

British Paralympic Association director of sport, Penny Briscoe, added: "The camps have a proven track record of preparing athletes to thrive in the multi-sport environment.

"The high percentage of athletes progressing from the January camp to represent their country at international level and win medals alongside the world's elite athletes shows this.

"I hope that all of the athletes in Bath this weekend will use what they have learnt to help them move forward in their ambitions to represent ParalympicsGB in Rio."

Britain will be looking to build of their total of 120 medals, including 34 golds, they secured on home turf at London 2012, which put them in third position on the medals table. 

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