Cameron has given his support to the outstanding British team which finished second in the Paralympic medals table in Beijing in 2008.

He said: "This year’s BT Paralympic World Cup will no doubt be a fantastic showcase for sport once again.

"It’s a great thrill for British athletes to compete in front of a home crowd and - for those taking part in London 2012 - a chance to test themselves against some of the best in the world."

Some of the most recognisable names in Paralympic sport are arriving in the North West as over 300 athletes will compete in athletics, football seven-a-side, wheelchair basketball and swimming.

Cameron said: "I hope that this year’s BT Paralympic World Cup will provide everyone involved, from organisers to athletes to spectators, with experiences that will live with them for many years.

"I wish all the competitors the very best of luck and a thoroughly enjoyable week."

With the London 2012 Paralympic Games just over two years away, the BT Paralympic World Cup is a crucial event in the preparation for the world’s leading sport event.



For the first time this year, a team challenge has been introduced which sees Great Britain take on teams from the Americas, Europe and the Rest of the World, with athletes competing for the overall BT Paralympic World Cup trophy.

Nigel Dove, the head of marketing at the North West Development Agency, one of the major supporters of the event, said: "As the excitement builds it is excellent to have future London 2012 Paralympic Games stars competing on our doorstep in Manchester.

"The Northwest is heavily involved in London 2012 and athletes from Australia and Thailand will be training in Manchester up until 2012, which demonstrates the confidence that elite teams have in the city.

"Manchester is truly a sport city and can boast some of the best facilities in the world and I am confident can again host a very successful BT Paralympic World Cup which will bring significant social and economic benefits.

"Good luck to everyone involved."

Tickets for the BT Paralympic World Cup are now on sale and can be purchased by clicking here. 


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