Paralympic Games: 500 Days until the London 2012 Paralympic Games (actually 499)

Sunday 17 April marked 500 days to go until the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has announced a range of exciting Paralympic-specific events to take place over the coming months.

With recent research suggesting that one in three people want to know more about Paralympic sport, the events will give the public the chance to be inspired and witness elite athletes competing at the highest level.

The BT Paralympic World Cup will be held in Manchester in May, showcasing a range of sports including Athletics, Swimming and Wheelchair Basketball.

Taking place on 8 September in London, International Paralympic Day will give the public a chance to experience first-hand the inspiration and excitement of Paralympic sports. The London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay team is also working to create a unique vision for the Torch Relay, due to take place in August 2012.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games will take place over 11 days from 29 August 2012. More than 150 nations are set to compete in 20 Paralympic sports across 19 competition venues.

Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said:

‘We’ve got a fantastic line-up of events over the next few months, which will really give the public a chance to get involved with the Paralympic Games – whether it’s attending the BT Paralympic World Cup, meeting some athletes or taking part in International Paralympic Day. The London 2012 Paralympic Games will be one of the most memorable sporting events people will have the chance to witness here in the UK with elite athletes competing at the highest level possible. I would urge everyone to get involved and register their interest in Paralympic tickets at www.tickets.london2012.com.’

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: 'The Paralympic Games in 2012 will be the icing on the cake of a fantastic summer of sport that we are privileged to host. Spectators will witness the world's elite Paralympians competing at the highest level in some of the most unique, exciting and skilful sports.'

To mark the 500 days to go milestone, Deloitte and ParalympicsGB are extending the accessibility of Deloitte Parasport, the website which enables people to search for the sport that’s best for their disability and local clubs where that sport can be played.

Two million tickets will be available for the Paralympic Games, and these will be on sale from 9 September to 30 September. Ticket prices will be announced by LOCOG on 10 May, and there are a range of initiatives planned to give sports fans an opportunity to see as much Paralympic sport as possible.