With just 50 days to go until the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, Paralympics Ireland’s Chef de Mission, Denis Toomey, has today revealed that Irish para-sailor John Twomey will be the flag bearer for Ireland at this year’s Games.
The Cork sailor – who will this year be attending his 11th Paralympic Games in an Irish jersey – has been given the honour of leading the Irish team out at the Opening Ceremony on September 7th in the Maracana Stadium in the Brazilian city.
Speaking about the exciting news, John Twomey, commented: “I am so honoured and absolutely delighted to be asked to be the flag bearer for the 2016 Irish Paralympic Team. It will be a fantastic honour to lead the team out in Rio with the tricolour held high.
“It’s brilliant for me and also for my family, who have supported me every step of the way. This year’s Games will definitely be my last Paralympic Games so it’s a fantastic way to finish off a long and memorable Paralympic career.”
Also speaking at the announcement, Chef de Mission Denis Toomey stated: “John has had a remarkable career in Paralympic sport, spanning ten Paralympic Games – with his 11th appearance at a Games to be made this September in Rio. It is as a result of this remarkable and historic career, and indeed, his dedication to Paralympic sport that I have bestowed on him the honour of carrying the Irish Flag and leading Team Ireland into the stadium for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.”
Don’t forget, you can keep on top of all of the latest news from Paralympics Ireland and the road to Rio by downloading the Paralympics Ireland app for free now on the Google Play or Apple Store. You can also download it here.
The 2016 Irish Paralympic Team for Rio can be viewed in full here.
