Simmonds is joined in 20-strong squad by fellow Paralympic gold medallists including Sascha Kindred, Matthew Walker, Liz Johnson and David Roberts as the home nation take on swimmers representing Europe, the Americas and the Rest of The World for the BT Paralympic World Cup trophy and get ready for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) European Championships in Berlin in August.

"The BT Paralympic World Cup is a key competition for me and will help my preparations for London 2012 where I hope to defend my titles," said the 16-year-old from Walsall.

"I always enjoy the competition in Manchester - I like the pool and the fans always cheer us on.

"It's also an opportunity to compete against the best swimmers in the world, which will really help me ahead of the European Championships later this year."

The swimming event at the BT Paralympic World Cup will be held on May 28 at the Manchester Aquatics Centre which will be the training base of the British Disability team ahead of the London 2012 Paralympics.

Six-time Paralympic champion Sascha Kindred, who broke the European record in the S56 50m Butterfly at the European trials earlier this month and will be defending his 200m individual medley title in May, admitted the BT Paralympic World Cup is vital for his London 2012 preparations.

"I've always enjoyed swimming in Manchester for the BT Paralympic World Cup and have just broken a European record in that specific pool," he said.

"It's a great opportunity to race a high quality international field and it will be good to get a feel of the home crowd only a year before London 2012."

John Atkinson, national performance director for British Swimming, added: "The BT Paralympic World Cup is always a fantastic event that attracts world-class talent and outstanding performances and once again we are pleased to be involved.

"The team performed to a high standard at the recent trials and are now prepared to compete against the best in the world in their home country.

"The event will be invaluable in their preparations for the European Championships this summer as well as 2012 and I know that our athletes are looking forward to the challenge."

The BT Paralympic World Cup is the largest annual international multi-sport competition in elite disability sport while Manchester has committed for the seventh consecutive year to hosting elite international athletes competing across wheelchair basketball, athletics and swimming.

In addition, boccia and sitting volleyball will be represented for the first time, with international matches staged during the competition which runs from May 23-27.

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