Launched in 2006 by founding partner Visa, the Paralympic Hall of Fame aims to recognise retired athletes and coaches who have a track record of excellent athletic performance as well as a history of fair play and participation in community activities.

There will be five new inductees in August this year consisting of two female athletes, two male athletes and one coach.

All five will be chosen by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board from nominations submitted by National Paralympic Committees, international sporting federations and now by the public, who can nominate by emailing [email protected] by March 31, 2012.

"The Visa Paralympic Hall of Fame recognises those individuals who have not only enjoyed Paralympic Games medal-winning success but have contributed to the Movement in other ways," said IPC President Sir Philip Craven (pictured).

"We are grateful to Visa for their continued support of the Hall of Fame and the Paralympic Movement in general."

To be eligible for induction, candidates must have participated in at least two Paralympic Games and won a number of medals or, in the case of a coach, through athlete(s) or team(s) they have coached.

Candidates must also have retired either before or shortly after the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

With this year's induction coinciding with the London 2012 Paralympic Games, only athletes and coaches involved in summer sports will be considered.

"Visa's sponsorship of the Paralympic Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates the universal values of sportsmanship, excellence and the commitment embodied in these amazing athletes and coaches," said Kevin Burke, Visa's chief marketing officer of core products.

"It recognises the great influence they have had on the Paralympic Games and the broader Paralympic Movement.

"We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Paralympic Hall of Fame and helping to create a permanent record and institutional memory of top Paralympians and coaches."

The Paralympic Hall of Fame election and induction ceremonies take place every two years and coincide with summer and winter Paralympic Games.

The 2010 Visa Paralympic Hall of Fame inductees included American Paralympian Ambassador and multiple Paralympic champion Chris Waddell (pictured above), Finland's 10-time Paralympic gold medallist Tanja Kari and German coach Rolf Hettich.

Visa has been a Worldwide Paralympic Partner and Paralympic Games sponsor since 2002.

The company is also a Worldwide Sponsor of the Olympic Games and will be the exclusive payment services sponsor and the only card accepted at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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