Welsh athletes competing at the Paralympics have already exceeded expectations, according to Jon Morgan, executive director of Disability Sport Wales.
Twenty-six Welsh athletes have been selected as part of the 264 making up the Great Britain Paralympics GB squad for the Games which start on Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro.
That simplifies as a significant 10% of the GB team and they include champions and medal prospects such as Aled Sion Davies and Holly Arnold.
Some of Wales’ greatest sportsmen and women such as Dame Tanni Grey Thompson and David Roberts have excelled at previous Paralympics Games.
“We’re very proud to have 26 Welsh athletes selected for the Paralympics,” said Morgan.
“Elite sport in Great Britain is extremely competitive and we agreed a target with Sport Wales of making up 7% of the Paralympics GB team. To get 10% is very pleasing and a credit to the structures we have in place and the backroom team involved.
“Para-sport has never been as competitive and it is increasingly difficult to win medals. It’s rare to get individual multi-medals now because athletes specialise in individual disciplines.
“We have a group of athletes that includes world champions, European champions, world record holders and Paralympic medallists.
“We also have teenagers like Sabrina Fortune and Jack Hodgson who will be making their Paralympic debuts. These are bright hopes for the future as we aim to keep winning medals on the biggest stage.”
With the support of Disability Sport Wales there are now more than 1 million community participation opportunities annually, around 750 clubs and nearly 5,000 coaches and volunteers in Welsh disability sport.
Brian Davies, Director of Elite Sport at Sport Wales, said: “Being selected for a Paralympic Games is a significant achievement and I have to congratulate each athlete for the dedication they have shown.
“Over many years our Paralympians have been an inspiration and a major success story in elite sport.
“They all have the opportunity to make their mark on the Games and produce more highlights in what has been an amazing summer so far for Welsh sport.”