By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

September 12 - London's preparations for the 2012 Paralympics have been praised by the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) after they completed their first visit to inspect the facilities currently being built for the Games, claiming they are looking forward to an event that will be "uniquely British".



An APC delegation, led by chief executive Jason Hellwig, inspected the Paralympic competition venues and other areas of London that may be utilised by the Australian team during the Games.

"The London 2012 Paralympic Games are promising to be a wonderful experience for all athletes, team officials, families and supporters," said Hellwig.

"The organising committee, LOCOG, have set out to deliver a Games that will be uniquely British.

"If LOCOG deliver to their plans, and we are confident they will, these will be a most memorable Games for all of us."

The APC also visited the Paralympic sailing venue in Weymouth and the rowing venue in Eton, as well as venues which will be used by the Australian team during its pre-Games training camp in Cardiff.

"Our planning and approach is lining up perfectly with LOCOG’s approach," said Hellwig.

"Arrangements for our pre-Games training camp in Cardiff are now locked in, including hotels, training venues, sports science and medicine and transport.

"Cardiff will be a stunning environment for our athletes to undertake their final preparations.

"The facilities, climate, transport and warmth of the local community are unmatched in the UK"

Hellwig is predicting a memorable Paralympics for Australia, who finished fifth in the medals table in Beijing in 2008.



They won a total of 79 medals, including 23 gold, including a memorable victory in the T54 marathon for Kurt Fearnley (pictured).

Australia's best-ever performance in the Paralympics was in Sydney in 2000 when they topped the overall medals table.

They claimed 149 medals, 63 of them gold,

"These will be a Games for Australian athletes to shine," Hellwig said.

"The APC’s plans to support the team are more advanced in all areas than ever, and I know that every athlete will be fully committed to achieving their best possible performance,” he said.

"For an Australian athlete, achieving success against the ‘old enemy’ on their home soil is a rare and wonderful opportunity.”

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]