John Twomey has been selected as Ireland’s flag bearer for the Paralympics in September.
The Corkman will lead the Irish team out at the Opening Ceremony on September 7th in the Maracana Stadium in the Brazilian city.
Twomey will compete in sailing in Rio, but he has previously won medals in the discus. This year’s tournament will be his 11th Paralympic Games in an Irish jersey.
“I am so honoured and absolutely delighted to be asked to be the flag bearer for the 2016 Irish Paralympic Team,” Twomey told www.paralympics.ie. “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.”
Privileged to announce fellow Cork-man John Twomey will be the Team Ireland Flag Bearer at the Paralympics in Rio https://t.co/8kSdoSdsVD
— Denis Toomey (@DenisMToomey) July 19, 2016
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.”
It is 50 days to the start of the 2016 Paralympic Games – you can view the entire Ireland team here.
