Storey, who has just been announced as an ambassador for Deloitte - the official professional services provider to London 2012 - is Great Britain's most decorated, currently competing, female Paralympian.

Having won five gold medals as a swimmer over four Games between Barcelona in 1992 and Athens in 2004 she switched sports in 2005 and went on to win two further gold medals in cycling at Beijing in 2008.

Storey believes that a home Paralympic Games has the potential to create the same level of excitement as the Olympics and deliver a legacy of increased sporting participation among people with a disability.

"I competed in my first Paralympic Games in 1992 and there has been a significant change in the public perception of disability sport in the UK since then, but there is still some way to go," said Storey.

"Having the Games in London is a fantastic opportunity to give people a proper insight into the dedication, hard work and talent of our disabled athletes.

"It will also help people understand the lengths many Paralympic athletes go to in order to perform and achieve at this level.

"This is an opportunity to put Paralympic sport at the forefront of people's minds, alongside the Olympic Games, where it should be.

"The Paralympic Games should have the same followers, the same excitement and the same public awareness.

"There are some encouraging signs ahead of 2012 in terms of public interest in tickets for the Paralympic Games.

"Achieving parity between the Games will deliver a real legacy, encouraging young disabled children to aspire to future sporting success."

In her role as an ambassador for Deloitte, Storey, who also competes against able-bodied athletes, will share her experience from five previous Games to give the firm's clients and employees a special insight into what is required to achieve gold medal performance.

Storey is also keen to champion Deloitte Disability Sport, an award-winning programme which aims to drive participation and performance in disability sport to secure more podium finishes at future Paralympics.

She is set to bring her perspective to the 'Games Readiness' of clients by helping them to understand the potential impact and opportunities a Games can create for their businesses.



London will be Storey's sixth Games and she aims to become the first Briton to compete in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

She recently competed for England at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Heather Hancock, London 2012 Partner at Deloitte, said: "We are delighted that Sarah has agreed to become an ambassador for Deloitte.

"We've already had the pleasure of Sarah's participation in several internal and external events in Deloitte, and are huge supporters of her sporting ambition, and her ability to translate this into business insight.

"Sarah will be one of the most experienced British competitors in London and I know our clients and our people will be excited to be associated with her journey to the Games and her performance in 2012.

"We look forward to supporting her and celebrating her success over the next 18 months."

Storey added: "I know Deloitte well, having seen the firm's support of disability sport over a number of years.

"Most notably, I took part last year in Deloitte Ride Across Britain, the firm's corporate challenge which aims to raise £1 million ($1.5 million) for ParalympicsGB.

"Deloitte has shown genuine and long term commitment to disability sport from grass roots to top performance levels, and of course they are making a big impact on the delivery of the London 2012 Games.

"We have a lot in common and a lot to learn from each other, and so I was thrilled to accept Deloitte's invitation to become an ambassador for the firm."

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