The development of The Pegasus Dream Tour video game is part of the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) efforts to bring its sports to a new and young audience.

It also aims to highlight the benefits of video games to inspire positive change and tackle social issues.

A group of nine of the world’s best Para-athletes will appear in the game, such as Canadian wheelchair basketball player and three-time Paralympic gold medallist Patrick Anderson, New Zealand’s javelin thrower Holly Robinson and Japan’s boccia player Takayuki Hirose.

"The launch of Pegasus Dream Tour is a wonderful opportunity to connect with and further promote Para sports across new and younger audiences in an innovative and fun way," said IPC chief brand and communications officer Craig Spence.

"Pegasus Dream Tour will bring together gaming and sport enthusiasts from all around the globe, who will have the opportunity to enjoy a Paralympic experience from the comfort of their homes not as mere spectators but as participants as well."

Players will be able to participate virtually in boccia, five-a-side football, athletics and wheelchair basketball.

Japanese sporting legend and two-time figure skating Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu has been named as one of the video game’s ambassadors.

"I am honoured to have been appointed as the ambassador for The Pegasus Dream Tour," he said.

"As someone who enjoys games and an athlete as well, I look forward to this wonderful opportunity to experience the excitement of the Paralympics through gaming.

"I will also be appearing as a character in the game, and I hope to meet you in Pegasus City!"

Japanese wheelchair tennis player Manami Tanaka, compatriots and badminton players Kohei Kobayashi and Rie Ogura, athletics stars Scout Bassett and Chaiwat Rattana of United States and Thailand, respectively, also appear in the game.