By Duncan Mackay in London

February 2 - A series of works by disabled artists featuring Britain's nine-time Paralympic champion Lee Pearson (pictured) has been unveiled at an event supported by BT, a London 2012 Tier One sponsor.


The artists, represented by Abbie Cooke, founder of Arts-Org, visited Pearson last August and spent the day sketching and drawing his dressage performance.

As a result, a collection of Paralympic-themed artworks have been created by leading disabled artists Alison Lapper, Keith Jansz, Mike Fryer and Alice Dass.

Pearson, 35, is one of Britain's most successful-ever Paralympians, having remained unbeaten making his debut at Sydney in 2000, winning gold medals in dressage, freestyle dressage and team dress in three consecutive Paralympics.

He said: "It was such an exciting day meeting the disabled artists at the Equestrian Centre in Leek and watching how they work within the restrictions of their disabilities like myself.

"They all took lots of photos of me and my horse Gentleman - so I'm looking forward to seeing their finished artworks."

The exhibition, launched at the joint headquarters of the British Paralympic Association (BPA) and British Olympic Association (BOA), also featured works by autistic artist David Downes, who was invited by Bovis Lend Lease to visit London's Olympic Park.

He has created a collection of architectural drawing of the Olympic Village under construction.

Cooke, the founder of Arts-Org, which focuses helping talented disabled artists exhibit in corporate offices, said: "Arts-Org artists are the cream of British disability arts talent.

"The artworks they have created leave a legacy for London 2012."

Sally Davis (pictured), the chief executive of BT Wholesale, said: "I'm passionate about the principle that every individual should be allowed to deliver their personal best, whatever their chosen field.

"I'm delighted that there are many people and organisations who, like Arts-Org, showcase people's ability.

"That's what we in BT are trying to achieve - to let others see ability, not disability."

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