Paralympics
PARALYMPICS LONDON 2012: Wheelchair tennis star Norfolk named as Great Britain’s flag bearer
DOUBLE Paralympic champion Peter Norfolk has been named as Great Britain’s flag bearer for next week’s London 2012 opening ceremony.
PROUD: Peter Norfolk, dubbed the quadfather, is a two-time Paralympic champion and will carry the British flag at the opening ceremony at London 2012
Wheelchair tennis player Norfolk won quad singles gold in Athens and Beijing and has also a doubles silver and bronze in his collection.
He arrives in London ranked world number three in singles and number one, alongside Jamie Burdekin, in doubles.
“I’m absolutely blown away to be selected as the British flag bearer for the opening ceremony,” he said.
“It was a huge surprise when I was told and I feel it is a very great honour.
“I can feel the excitement is really building as everyone is talking about the Games and getting behind the athletes wishing them luck.
“I’m very humbled to lead in the ParalympicsGB team that I’m sure can make Great Britain very, very proud.
“This will be my first opening ceremony as my playing schedules have meant I missed the other two so this will be an especially magical moment for me.”
British chef de mission Craig Hunter is still negotiating with organising committee officials about the size of the home delegation at the ceremony.
He expects between third and half of the 300-strong team to be involved but has been seeking assurances over transport from the athletes’ village to the stadium.
“To carry the flag at the head of the team at any Games is a unique honour but this is made even more special because it will be in front of a home crowd,” said Hunter.
“Pete has been selected following a vote from his fellow team-members so this is true recognition of his outstanding sporting achievement.”
© 2012
Henri Schoeman’s Exciting Long Distance Debut at Challenge Roth
Feed
Sam Laidlow Faces Training Challenges as Recovery Continues
Englands Best Ready Nationals
Xterra 2025 World Cup: Explore the Exciting 11-Race Circuit
February Highlights: ParalympicsGB’s Journey and Achievements
Marten van Riel Shines Among Elite at T100 Singapore
Olympics London 2012 Shattered Campbell Delighted With Bronze
Ultimate Showdown: Top Three Women’s Tennis Stars Face Off at T100 Singapore
Ouseph Bids Put London 2012 Behind Him
Olympic Champion James Targets 2010 Rowing Comeback
PTO Moves Spanish T100 Race from Ibiza to Valencia
London 2012 Team Gb Kit Looks A Little Familiar Does It Look Better
London 2012 Lords Set Reap Benefits Olympic Archery
London 2012 Team Gb Mascot Pride Looks Deliver Cuddly Cash Boost
Bt Sponsor Paralympic World Cup
Grainger Impresses World Cup Lucerne
Rower Cracknell Impresses British Triathlon Debut
Commonwealth Games Boxer Iain Weaver Sets Quarter Final Grudge Match
Olympics London 2012 Live Games Day 17August 12th
Top Ten Sporting Moments Decade
London 2012 Ex White House Drugs Tzar Warns Against Dope Cheat Complacency
Mike Phillips Shatters Course Record to Claim Victory at Ironman New Zealand
Regan Hollioake Dominates Ironman New Zealand Victory
Knights Rising Stock Set Soar Further Eyof
OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Evans eyes Glasgow 2014 after Olympic exit
THE BEST OF 2009: Rio triumphs in 2016 Olympic race
OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Long-term development key for Smith ahead of Games
Beijing heroes – where are they now?
Smith only British weightlifter to hit top level Olympic selection standard
Paralympic Athletes Shine in Impressive Season Opener
Dubai 2025 Grand Prix: Key Athletes to Watch and Viewing Guide
New Delhi Welcomes 2025 Para Athletics World Championships
WPA Seeks Expressions of Interest for 2027 Athletics World Championships and U20 Event
Iranian Athlete Mostafa Marian Banned for Three Years Over Doping Violation
PARALYMPICS LONDON 2012: British team upbeat despite missing target of second place on medal table
Bethell Secures Place in Semi-Finals with Outstanding Performance
Jurgen Klopp’s Surreal Experience at Opening Match
Daniel Bethell Aims for Gold in Paris with Family’s Backing
Historic ParalympicsGB Badminton Squad Unveiled for Paris 2024
THE BEST OF 2010: Simon Vallily announces himself on Commonwealth Games stage
Coombs and Bethell Advance to Badminton Finals in Thrilling Showdown
OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Brave Joshua strikes back for gold
Former heavyweight champion Haye meets fans at Vauxhall gym
Former heavyweight boxing champion David Haye meets fans at Vauxhall gym
OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Relaxed Daley ready for final focus
COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Boxing sees controversy – and the birth of a monster
Regretful Aldridge ponders the errors of his Beijing bust-up
EYOF 2011: Britain find their Knight in shining armour in the pool
