The Toyota Paralympic Talent Search Program is an Australian Government-funded initiative run by the APC, and supported by Toyota, which aims to build on the success of Australia’s Paralympic teams.

To date more than 250 potential Paralympians have been identified through the Talent Search Program for Beijing and beyond with 61 athletes selected as part of the Beijing Paralympic Shadow squad.

CEO of the APC, Darren Peters, said we know that there are people with very minimal disabilities who don’t even realise they are eligible for Paralympic contention.

“They may have a slight limp and play in the local soccer league.

“But given the right training programs and support, they could be representing their country at the Paralympics.

“Some people in our community see a Paralympian only as a wheelchair user, but Paralympic sport caters for many physical disability groups including the vision impaired, amputees and cerebral palsy.”

Athletics, swimming and cycling are the main sports that are targeted, but the opportunity to pursue any of the 16 Paralympic sports in which Australia conducts programs are also available.

“The APC is recruiting new talent from all over Australia and the opportunity to unearth some new talent in Nowra is exciting,” he said.

“Where appropriate we aim to place the identified talent in intense development and training programs to prepare them for Beijing and, more realistically, beyond.”

The Talent Search action will take place at Nowra Anglican College in Nowra from 10am on Saturday.

People with disabilities from all over the region are invited to participate in the Toyota Paralympic Talent Search program.

Participants need to pre-register at www.paralympic.org.au or by calling 02 6247 5736.