By Tom Degun

sir_philip_craven_26-09-11September 25 - Sir Philip Craven, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President, is set to speak at Bolton School - which he attended as a child - at an event designed to promote the London 2012 Games.


Sir Philip will be joined by London 2012 chair Sebastian Coe on the visit scheduled for October 4 in what will be the duo's last formal appearance in the North West before the start of the Olympics and Paralympics.

"I'm really looking forward to returning to Bolton School, my school where my intense interest in sport was allowed to develop," said Sir Philip, who represented Great Britain in the sport of wheelchair basketball at five consecutive Paralympic Games from 1972 to 1988 before becoming IPC President.

"My experiences at school have helped formulate the principles in which I believe that sport and physical activity can prepare any member of society for a full and fun-filled life.

"It will be great to discuss the Games' legacy for the North West and, along with Seb Coe, spread the word and inspire a new generation on the true values of sport."

Coe, the double 1500 metres Olympic gold medallist, will join Sir Philip in giving a speech about the legacy that the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics will leave in the town of Bolton.

The pair are also set to discuss the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic mascots Wenlock and Mandeville who were created from two drops of molten-steel that came from the steelworks in Bolton that supplied thousands of tonnes of the metal for the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.

The speeches from Sir Philip and Coe will be followed by a 40-minute panel discussion and questions from the audience, made up of pupils, parents, staff and members of the local community.

"This is a unique opportunity for Bolton residents to speak to two key people behind the Olympics and Paralympics," said Bolton Council leader Cliff Morris.

Bolton is one of seven towns in the North West that will host an evening celebration during the Olympic Torch Relay next year.

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