Two weeks ago the IPC, together with the IPC Athletes' Council, launched an appeal for former athletes to get in touch if they were interested in attending an event where Past Paralympians could come together in London during the 2012 Paralympics to share stories and celebrate their accomplishments from previous Paralympic Games.

The event is dependent on former athlete interest but it now looks increasingly likely to take place after hundreds of athletes, including some who competed in the Tokyo 1964 Paralympics, stated they would be very keen for a reunion during London 2012.

Bob Balk, chairman of the IPC Athletes' Council, said: "It's fantastic that a good number of athletes have so far informed the IPC that they would be interested in attending a reunion during London 2012.

"There is a good mixture of athletes who have responded from both past Summer and Winter Games.

"Hopefully, over the coming weeks, the word will spread around the former athlete community about this event and more former athletes will register an interest.

"Should this event become a reality then it will be a fantastic occasion for athletes to meet former teammates and rivals, to share their memories and celebrate how far the Paralympic Movement has progressed since 1960."

The first Paralympic Games took place in Rome, Italy in 1960 and featured 400 athletes from 23 countries, and since then the event has grown substantially into the second biggest sporting event in the world in terms of participants.

The last Summer Paralympics in Beijing 2008 attracted 3,951 athletes from 146 countries, while last year the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games saw 502 athletes from 44 countries compete.

More than 25,000 athletes have taken part in the Paralympic Games since 1960.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games, which run from August 29 to September 9, will feature 20 sports and will showcase more than 4,200 athletes from around 160 countries.

To register an interest in the event, former Paralympians can click here. 

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