By Tom Degun

Jeremy_Hunt_Tim_Hollingsworth_and_coaches_from_Womens_GB_Sitting_Volleyball_team_watch_a_training_session_during_the_Paralympics_Media_Day_at_the_University_of_Bath_02-09-11September 2 - The ParalympicsGB Simulation Camp at the University of Bath has been heralded a fantastic success by the British Paralympic Association (BPA) chief executive Tim Hollingsworth.


The 13-day camp - which drew to a close last week - saw over 100 athletes from 10 sports in attendance and was designed to replicate the environment that awaits them at the London 2012 Paralympic Games next year if they are selected to compete.

"We are delighted by the success of the Camp," said Hollingsworth.

"The sense of teamwork and shared purpose was palpable.

"The camp not only helped individual athletes and sports to focus on their specific preparation, it started the all-important process of building one, cohesive unit which will become the ParalympicsGB team next year."

Penny Briscoe, the BPA's director of performance described the camp as a fantastic stepping-stone into the final year of preparation for London 2012 and praised the attitude of staff and athletes alike in embracing the opportunities on offer.

"We have encouraged athletes and staff to focus on all aspects of their preparation and recovery and I've been really struck by their determination to leave no stone unturned to ensure they are best prepared for what awaits them in a year's time," said Briscoe.

The camp also got a glowing endorsement from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt.

"I believe that next year will be the year that the Paralympics finally comes of age, when it ceases to be the junior partner of the Olympic Movement," said Hunt, who was formerly the shadow minister for disabled people.

Hunt went on to describe the ParalympicsGB team's track record on coming second on the medal table at previous three summer Games as "a truly remarkable example of British success".

The camp itself was funded by the National Lottery through UK Sport, while there was supplementary support offered by several 2012 Partners, including Sainsbury's who supplied fruit and snacks, Coca-Cola who provided beverages, and Cadbury who provided treats.

EDF Energy and the BPA once again worked in partnership to make the camp as sustainable as possible and EDF, Cadbury and Deloitte provided volunteers to help the camp run smoothly.

Hollingsworth and Hunt are also both set to attend International Paralympic Day on September 8, which will take place at Trafalgar Square and is being used to promote the London 2012 Paralympic Games next year.

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August 2011: Hollingsworth optimistic Bath training camp will prepare British Paralympians for 2012