The final countdown

The 2012 Paralympic Games are only days away, and with 43 NSWIS athletes gearing up for competition the Games are set to be one of the most memorable.

On the back of an excellent Olympic campaign by their fellow NSWIS athletes, the Institute’s Paralympic contingent is on track for success, with reigning marathon champion Kurt Fearnley headlining the selections. Fearnley is competing in four events in London, but will aim to create history by winning his third consecutive Paralympic marathon at the Games, with the event taking place on the final day of competition.

Joining Fearnley in action are several more NSWIS medal contenders, including fellow wheelchair track & road athletes Christie Dawes and Angela Ballard; five time Paralympian Liesl Tesch, who previously competed in wheelchair basketball but now takes to the water in sailing, two time wheelchair rugby Paralympian Ryley Batt and cyclists Jayme Paris and Alexandra Green.

The Australian men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams will also be in the thick of the action, with the men’s team aiming to defend their Beijing title and the women’s team looking to improve on their bronze from four years ago. NSWIS athletes Tristan Knowles, Grant Mizens, Brett Stibners and Nick Taylor compete for the Rollers, while Kylie Gauci, Katie Hill, Tina McKenzie and Sarah Stewart line up for the Gliders.

Fifteen NSWIS swimmers take to the pool aiming for personal bests and the podium; Hannah Dodd makes her Paralympic equestrian debut; Beijing silver medallist Kathryn Ross returns to the Paralympic arena and three NSWIS athletes compete for the Australian women’s goalball team, with more NSWIS athletes competing in sailing, track & field, wheelchair track & road and wheelchair tennis.

The Games kick off with the opening ceremony at 5:30am on Thursday morning, Sydney time, before the competition begins on Thursday night, Sydney time.