By Tom Degun

ParalympicsGB logo_13_JuneJune 13 - ParalympicsGB concluded its final team-leader workshop at the Olympic Park in Stratford today during which representatives from various Paralympic summer sports heard operational updates and plans for London 2012.

The two-day seminar was led by ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission Craig Hunter (pictured below), Deputy Chef de Mission of Performance Penny Briscoe and Deputy Chef de Mission of Operations Ann Hogbin with 60 team leaders, medical personnel and media staff in attendance.

It included updates on anti-doping regulations, athlete welfare and press operations as well as a tour of the Paralympic Village and ParalympicsGB House at Westfield Stratford City, located just opposite the Olympic Park.

"It's been an incredibly valuable two days," said Hunter as the event concluded.

"We are now just 77 days away from the start of the Paralympic Games so it is absolutely crucial that every member of ParalympicsGB, be they core staff, medical staff or team leaders, knows where we are with our planning.

Team GB_Paralympic_team_leaders_Olympic_Park_June_2012
"It is also important for us that we continue to receive feedback from our sports about anything that we could improve on in our plans.

"After all, we want to make sure our athletes have everything they could need in order to produce their lifetime-best performances in London."

Many of those in attendance praised the event staged by ParalympicsGB, including Gareth Sheppard, team leader for cycling.

"It's been a very useful two days," he said.

"The operational updates have provided critical information to help team leaders plan effectively for the Games.

Olympic Village_May_2012
"A lot of time has been dedicated to providing clarity in the plans for ParalympicsGB at Games time, which helps us to put the final touches in place for our athletes.

"We've also had useful insights into the Paralympic Village (pictured above) which will help us to prepare the athletes and enable us to tweak our plans for the team, making sure they are as comfortable as possible before they compete."

Peter Eriksson, team leader for athletics, backed up Sheppard's words.

"We have done a series of team-leader workshops which have all been very informative and helpful," he said.

"The last few days have been a great learning experience for all of us, and for me it's all critical information about how things will work and be organised.

"It's also important for us to meet for these sessions because we have to work together as a team to ensure we are a leading nation at the Paralympics Games."

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