Hopes high for success of 41-strong paralympic team

HOPES of the Irish team’s success in the Paralympic Games are high as the games begin in Athens today with more than 4,000 athletes competing from 153 countries in the second largest sporting event the world.

Gary Messett, 17, a member of the Irish paralympic football squad from Bray, Co Wicklow, leads the 41-strong team in today’s colourful opening ceremony in the historic city.

The Irish are competing in eight different sports - athletics, cycling, equestrian, judo, sailing, soccer, boccia and swimming.