London 2012 are hopeful that the event will give the public a chance to learn more about and showcase Paralympic sport, experiencing its inspiration and excitement first hand.

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe said: "I'm thrilled and honoured that we'll be hosting International Paralympic Day here in London in September.

"It's a fantastic way for the public to learn more about Paralympic sports and get a taster of the excitement that they will witness during the Paralympic Games in just over 500 days' time."

International Paralympic Day is held every two years in Germany by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) but with the London 2012 Paralympic Games happening in just over 500 days to go, it was decided that England was an ideal place to hold the event and showcase elite level Paralympic sport.

Members of the public who attend International Paralympic Day will have the opportunity to meet and join UK and international Paralympic athletes as well as find out more about each of the 20 Paralympic sports that feature at the Games.

Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee said: "The last International Paralympic Day was held in Berlin in front of the Brandenburg Gate so it's fantastic that this year the event will be held in another iconic location.

"International Paralympic Day will be the greatest showcase of Paralympic sport in the UK before the start of the Paralympic Games in 2012 and I'm delighted that London 2012 is hosting it."

Tim Reddish, chair of ParalympicsGB, added: "London 2012 for us is about more than just chasing down every medal that we can.

"It's about putting Paralympic sport firmly on the map so that the nation sees and appreciates our brilliant sportsmen and women.

"International Paralympic Day is a great way of helping that engagement process and we're thrilled to be involved."

Ticket applications for the Paralympic Games will open 9 September 2011, while an announcement on Paralympic Games ticket prices and the sports competition schedule will be made in May.

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