Vietnam and Zambia Paralympic athletes plan Irish training base

Athletes from Vietnam and Zambia will train in Ireland ahead of the Paralympic Games, it has emerged.

Irish Aid and the Irish Sports Council will co-fund the trips by the two teams which will set up base in Dublin and Limerick in the build-up to London 2012.

A total of 15 countries have chosen Ireland as a training base in the run-up to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Joe Costello, Minister for Trade and Development, said Ireland has built strong relations with both countries through the department’s overseas aid programme.

“Our support to these countries is aimed at reducing poverty, increasing the number of children at school, supporting inclusive economic growth and assisting people with disability to access training and employment,” he said.

“By facilitating the teams in their preparations this summer, we are building on our support in the area of disability.”

The total budget for hosting both countries is €64,000.

The Zambian Paralympics Committee will be based at Morton Stadium, Santry, from August 6 to 27 and include five athletes – who will compete in athletics and powerlifting – and three support staff.

Meanwhile a delegation of 17 will travel as part of the Vietnam Paralympics Committee. Based in the University of Limerick from July 20 to August 10, the group includes athletes, swimmers, powerlifters and support staff.

Michael Ring, junior sports minister, said Ireland will give a warm welcome to the paralympic competitors.

“Training camps are a significant resource for athletes in advance of major tournaments, but are also expensive and beyond the reach of some teams,” he said.

“The facilities and resources exist in Ireland to offer our colleagues in Zambia and Vietnam the best possible preparation in advance of London 2012 and we are delighted to be in a position to support them in this way.”

Both teams will also take part in the Morton Pre-Games for track and field on July 25.

James Gradwell, president of Paralympics Ireland, said he was delighted the Irish Government and the Irish Sports Council made this opportunity available for two up-and-coming paralympic teams.

“We look forward to welcoming them and sharing knowledge while they are in Ireland,” he said.

“Paralympic sport is still developing worldwide and this initiative greatly assists the development of the athletes from Zambia and Vietnam.”