Edwards, who is deputy chairman of the Nations and Regions group of London 2012, rode past York Minster on a tandem with the chairman of the Paralympics GB, Tim Reddish.

They also visited the Energise leisure centre in Acomb to see the range of sports available for disabled people, including climbing, and saw performing arts which challenged the perception of disability through movement at York St John University.

Edwards claimed there had been a huge amount of interest in the Paralympic Games, as well as the Olympics, and that part of the legacy of London 2012 should be to increase the opportunities for people with disabilities and inspire them to reach to the top.

They also targeted businesses, for which London 2012 has offered numerous contract opportunities, with a conference at York St John Business School.

Deloitte’s head of disability sport, Catherine Bayley, spoke at the event about the company’s parasport.org.uk tool which helps disabled people achieve their personal best.

Edwards said: "Yorkshire Gold is working very hard to raise the profile of disabled sports and make sure that when we have the Games, people are much more aware of how they can get involved and create enthusiasm they can take back to their local community."

Reddish claimed the key to breaking down the barriers was communication between disabled people, businesses and organisations that offer support.

He said: "We want everybody to be part of this great thing called the Games, particularly the Paralympic Games, and we hope that the Games will inspire them."

The public was invited to try out disability sports, including boccia, wheelchair basketball and goalball, at York St John University.


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