Wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott (left) will star on the Weekend Sunrise programme ©Weekend Sunrise

A special edition of Weekend Sunrise will be take place on Australia's Channel 7 on March 5 in order to raise money for the country's team preparing for this year's Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. 

The "Parathon" show, presented by Andrew O’Keefe and Angela Cox, will be broadcast live from Sydney’s Martin Place between 7am and 12pm local time.

It will feature a combination of Para-athletes and special guests, as well as seek to uncover the stories behind the country' Rio 2016 hopefuls.

“We hope all Australians will be inspired by the stories of our Para-athletes," said Seven West Media's chief executive, Tim Worner.

"The Weekend Sunrise Parathon is a call to dig deep and get behind our Paralympic hopefuls; to show your support and help these skilled athletes get their chance against the world’s best in Rio.”

A television fundraiser will help provide extra resources for Australian Paralympic preparations for Rio 2016 ©Getty Images
A television fundraiser will help provide extra resources for Australian Paralympic preparations for Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

It is hoped a 170-strong team spanning 15 sports will attend the Games, set to take place from September 7 to 18.

“In partnership with Seven, we are very excited to introduce Weekend Sunrise viewers to some of our Para-athletes aiming for gold in Rio," said Australian Paralympic Committee chief executive Lynne Anderson.

"Importantly, this will also provide an opportunity to donate desperately-needed financial assistance to help ensure the Australian Paralympic Team is given the chance to succeed at the Rio Games in September.

“Our Paralympic athletes aiming for Rio are extraordinary elite athletes that we are sure all Australians will respect and admire."

The announcement comes a week after three-time Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley and former wheelchair tennis player Daniela Di Toro were named as captains of the Australian Paralympic team at Rio 2016.

Australia finished fifth on the medals table at London 2012 with 32 gold, 23 silver and 30 bronze.