Following the success of ParalympicsGB at the Rio 2016 Games, this weekend (17-18 September) is set to host two opportunities for the public to meet retired Paralympic stars and try out a range of different sports, themselves.

Nottingham and Edinburgh city centres will showcase 10 sports from 10am – 5pm, including paratriathlon, aiming to excite and engage the British public with disability sport. There will be the opportunity to try out hand-cycles and tandem bikes, alongside other specific equipment.

The event, complete with Brazilian-themed entertainment, welcomes everyone from those unfamiliar to the sport through to avid paratriathlon fans, with the potential to discover future Paralympic stars.

Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of the BPA, said:

 “We know the public will be keen to try out the sports featured in the Paralympic Games, meet Paralympians and find out more about local clubs as well as take the opportunity to have a bit of Brazil come to the UK too this summer. 

 “The ParalympicsGB Carnivals build on our incredibly successful National Paralympic Days over the past three years. In the year of a summer games we want to inspire people and give them a chance to have fun and learn more about the Paralympic Games and to get behind the ParalympicsGB team and feel connected to what will be happening in Rio in September. We are confident this is an excellent way to achieve our ambition, and grateful to the Spirit of 2012 Trust for their continued belief in it and funding for the events.” 

Spirit of 2012 Chief Executive, Debbie Lye, said:

“Spirit of 2012 is proud to continue our involvement with the Paralympic movement by supporting this year’s BPA-led carnival events. At Spirit we aim to challenge perceptions of disability and help more people, both disabled and non-disabled, participate regularly in physical activity. The Carnivals will give people across Britain the chance to try out new, inclusive sports and activities - an important first step in overcoming the barriers to getting involved in sport and activity.”

Six UK cities, alongside the British Paralympic Association, will host Carnival events during the Paralympic Games in September 2016.  ParalympicsGB Carnival, delivered in association with Nottingham City Council, takes place September 17. ParalympicsGB Carnival, delivered in association with Edinburgh City Council, takes place September 18 in Edinburgh.

More details can be found at paralympics.org.uk/carnival. If you can’t attend the Carnival events, but would still like to register your interest in paratriathlon, please visit here.