Bognor war veteran's role in Paralympics closing ceremony (From The Argus)

Bognor war veteran's role in Paralympics closing ceremony

7:27pm Sunday 9th September 2012 in News

The Paralympics will come to a close this evening bringing an end to a summer of sport - with the help of a war veteran from Sussex.

Tens of millions of people are expected to watch the event from the Olympic stadium which will feature British band Coldplay.

Among those taking part will be Mike Goody, 27, who lives in Felpham, Bognor.

Mike whose left leg was amputated following a roadside bomb explosion in Afghanistan, has already completed a run with the Paralympic torch, last month.

He has been busy rehearsing for his part in the worldwide spectacle for the past few weeks but has to remain tight-lipped about the honour.

At tonight's event, wheelchair racer David Weir and cyclist Sarah Storey, who each won four gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympics, will carry the British flag together.

The move is a change to the normal protocol of selecting a single individual and team officials had to gain permission from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to make the move.

"During the London 2012 Paralympic Games, ParalympicsGB has witnessed some outstanding performances, and most notably from Sarah Storey and David Weir," said chef de mission Craig Hunter.

"I'm thrilled and delighted that the IPC has recognised and agreed to our request to allow joint flagbearers at the closing ceremony.

"These athletes represent the spirit of Paralympic athleticism."