Ulster Unionist Culture, Arts & Leisure spokesperson Robin Swann MLA has hailed the success of Northern Ireland athletes at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Mr Swann said:
“The Paralympic Games which draw to a close today have been a tremendous success and we have all followed the fortunes of the Northern Ireland athletes as they ran and swam to Gold medal success and set new World records.
In the process they added to the sporting glory created by the rowers and boxers who won silver and bronze medals at the London 2012 Olympics.
In talking about our Paralympians, special mention must be made of Glengormley’s Michael McKillop who won Gold in the T37 1,500 metres to complement his new World Record and Gold medal in the T37 800 metres, and who was given a special award as the "Male athlete who best exemplified the spirit of the Paralympics at the Games in London."
Eglinton runner Jason Smyth not only won Gold but set a new world record in the T13 100 metres and swimmer Bethany Firth from Seaforde won gold in the S14 100m backstroke.
Northern Ireland was also represented by James Brown of Portaferry in cycling, Sally Brown of Ballykelly in sprinting, Eilish Byrne of Armagh in equestrian, Rostrevor swimmer Lawrence McGivern and Greyabbey archer Sharon Vennard.
I would like to congratulate all our Paralympians who have been an inspiration to us all in how to overcome difficulties and achieve success.”
