Irish Sports Council announces 'major investment' in Paralympic sport

The Irish Sports Council (ISC) has announced a "major investment" in Paralympic sport to mark the 100-day countdown until the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Paralympics Ireland will receive EUR700,000 (£566,000) to support its High Performance Plan, with the organisation expected to send a 40-strong team to this summer's Games.

The organisation is looking to win five medals at London 2012 and has already received its annual core grant worth EUR300,000 (£243,000) from the ISC - announced last month.

Individual athletes have secured EUR625,000 (£506,000) through the International Carding Scheme, taking the total investment for Paralympic sport this year to EUR1.625m (£1.3m).

Jimmy Gradwell, president of Paralympics Ireland said; "The Irish Sports Council funding is essential if we are to achieve our targets.

"We know the team has the talent to win medals but it is about performing on the day in the most competitive arena that the athletes will ever face."

ISC CEO John Treacy added: "It is essential that everything is done in order to allow the athletes perform to their best in London."

Details: www.irishsportscouncil.ie