Following the success of the inaugural event, which was held in Surrey in December last year, ParalympicsGB invited some of Britain's stars from London 2012 to showcase disabled sports and inspire people with disabilities to get involved in a variety of activities.

Among the British Paralympians at the event were double-gold medal winning wheelchair sprinter Cockroft and former swimming-turned-cycling star Jody Cundy, who both paid tribute to the event and its impact.

"Sports Fest has been a fantastic success over the past two days," said Cockroft

"It has been just amazing to see so many people of all ages, disabilities and sporting backgrounds under one roof wanting to find out more about how they can get involved in sport.

"Throughout Sports Fest I've been surrounded by people who want to see my medals, get their photo taken and get an autograph, so it's great to know that they have been inspired by London.

"As an athlete you don't always realise what an impact you have on people but today has shown me that my performance in London has had a direct influence on some of the people here today, and that's incredible."

Cundy echoed these sentiments, saying: "It's been over six months since the Games, but today at Sports Fest has really reminded me that London had a genuine and tangible impact on people, who are now much more engaged with the Paralympics than they were previously.

"To see so many young people in particular who have been inspired by London and now have had the opportunity to meet their heroes and have a go themselves has been fantastic and, to be honest, quite emotional."


British Paralympic Association (BPA) chief executive Tim Hollingsworth spoke of the "inspiring" event, as ParalympicsGB confirmed that the event would travel to other areas of the UK in future.

"We knew the first Sports Fest would be well received because it was in 2012 and people were still very excited about London." he said

"Four months into this year, it is inspiring to know that the excitement is still there, and we have had over 700 people come along.

"Be it school kids or adults trying a sport for the first time, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and we know we have found some individuals with genuine potential across a range of sports.

"Thanks to the hard work of all our sports, other partners and the Cadbury Foundation and volunteers, we can genuinely feel there is momentum here coming out of 2012 and that is obviously fantastic news."

Details of future Sports Fest events will be announced by ParalympicsGB in due course.

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