Sutcliffe revealed that the Government wants disabled people inspired by the Paralympics to have the opportunity to take up sport.

He said: "We're looking at trying to widen the remit of disability sport and Sport England will be making an announcement in the next few months about investment further in grassroots sports.

"We're looking for a further £10 million going into disability sport, which is great.

"For me sport is great for sport's sake but it also teaches people about teamwork, self-esteem and raises that level that you can be a key part of society, that you've got a key role to play."

Sutcliffe is visiting the Paralympics here to help support Britain's team of 12 who are competing in alpine skiing and curling.

He said: "It is inspirational but what we've not got to forget is that it is a major sporting event and some of the athletes in the way that they perform are incredible, whether it's skiing, curling or whatever.

"It's exciting and what we've got to try to do is make sure that we keep the investment in disability sport up there so it's great to support the BPA (British Paralympics Association), but we also want to make sure that more people with disabilities can get role models that they can aspire to."