In his address to delegates at the AGM in Dublin, Gradwell raised concerns that matching the London medal success in Rio has been hampered by the IPC's decision to drop certain events on the athletics schedule for the Games.

"Our ability to match the success of London 2012 has been compromised by the publication of the Rio 2016 athletics event list," warned Gradwell.

"Paralympics Ireland have expressed in the strongest terms our disappointment and disgust with the removal of Michael McKillop's 800m and Jason Smyth's 200m events from the programme.

"We are continuing to work behind the scenes on this matter and are hopeful of some positive movement on the decision in the coming year."

Ireland finished 19th on the medal table at London 2012 winning 16 medals in total across athletics, cycling, equestrian and swimming.

Double Paralympic champion sprinter Jason Smyth will only be able to defend his 100m title in Rio ©AFP/Getty Images



Sprinter Jason Smyth and middle-distance star Michael McKillop won two gold medals apiece on the track, but will each only be able to defend one title in Rio with Smyth missing out in the T13 200m and McKillop on the T37 800m after both were dropped from the programme for Rio. 

Ireland's other gold medals at London 2012 came through cyclist Mark Rohan who took two titles on the road, while there was one gold medal each for swimmers Bethany Firth and Darragh McDonald.

Meanwhile, Paralympics Ireland's strategic three year plan entitled Securing Success Together was formally approved at the AGM.

The plan, which is due to be officially launched in the coming weeks, is aimed at ensuring Paralympics Ireland builds on the success of Irish athletes at the London 2012 Paralympic Games to ensure further improvements come at Rio 2016, and at guiding the organisation to reach its full potential by the time Rio 2016 comes round.

It will also see immediate plans put in place for the preparation of major championships across a range of Paralympic disciplines in 2014 and 2015 to ensure the maximum number of qualification spots for the 2016 Games.

Swimmer Darragh McDonald followed up his gold medal at London 2012 by taking World Championship gold in Montreal last year ©Getty Images



During his speech, Gradwell highlighted some of the key moments for the organisation over the past year, including continued success at international level which has seen Irish athletes secure 15 medals in athletics, cycling and swimming World Championships in 2013.

A National Classification Strategy, led by Naomi O'Reilly, has been introduced over the past 12 months while new independent directors were recruited to the Board for the first time in 2013.

In conjunction with the Olympic Council of Ireland a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed with the city of Uberlandia in Brazil to hold a pre-Games training camp ahead of Rio 2016.

"It's hard to believe that its only two years to the Paralympic games in Rio," continued Gradwell.

"Time is flying by.

"Preparations are well under way and we will, as always, strive to make sure that we have everything in place to deliver the best team possible in Rio.

"We can only do this with the continued dedication and support of the members, Board, staff, state agencies and sponsors.

"I challenge you all now to up our collective game and drive on to Rio 2016."

Along with the new strategic plan, the Paralympics Ireland 2013 Annual Report was also approved at the AGM.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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