The blade running demonstration took place at Morton Stadium in Santry and featured eight prosthesis users already active in various sports taking part in the workshop.

More than 75 additional participants - all clients and families of Ottobock IDS at Cappagh Hospital in the Irish capital - took part in an activity session led by Irish Paralympic coaches showcasing the blades and promoting activity among prosthesis users.

They were fitted with carbon fibre running blades, custom made by manufacturer Ottobock and were given a dedicated two-hour introductory session.

Ireland has never had a blade runner at a Paralympic Games, and Paralympics Ireland hopes today's initiative will inspire amputees and inform any future Paralympians about the use of blades.

"Today is a fantastic moment in Paralympic sport in Ireland and we are absolutely thrilled to be part of this unique event which sees running blades being tried, in this capacity for the very first time in Ireland," said corporate affairs manager at Mondelēz Ireland, Deidre Harte.

A participant at Morton Stadium in Dublin inspects his carbon fibre running blade ©Ottobock




A special swimming master class event in the National Aquatic Centre was also held today and featured the likes of reigning Paralympic and world champion Darragh McDonald, double European bronze medalist James Scully and World Championship bronze medalist Ellen Keane.

They joined coaches at the workshop which focused on 25 swimmers who may have the potential to compete for Ireland at future Paralympic Games

The initiatives are part of an overall talent identification programme being run by Paralympics Ireland and Mondelēz.

Mondelēz owns the Cadbury brand and as part of its sponsorship deal with Paralympics Ireland, the Cadbury Foundation will work with the governing body to run annual Talent and Awareness events across the country.

Liam Harbison, chief executive of Paralympics Ireland, said: "Hosting today's swimming and athletics events is something very exciting for us that could be the first step on an amazing Paralympic career for some of those who have chosen to take part.

"We are very proud to be holding our first ever running blades workshop in Ireland and are grateful to valued partner Mondelēz Ireland for supporting us and Ottobock for their huge part in making it happen."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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