From 7 September, I'll be in Beijing along with 200 British Paralympians. The athletes will be competing in 18 of the 20 sports, including basketball, swimming and my own sport, Boccia, which is a Paralympic sport played by people with severe disabilities. We are just as dedicated and, I hope, as inspiring to young people across the country as the other Olympians.
Paralympians deserve just as much support and attention in the run up to London 2012. The word "para" has negative connotations, which is why I would combine the games so they are recognised as equal.
I've been lucky enough to pursue my sporting goals thanks, in part, to the support of my teachers at Treloar College, where I studied for my A-levels. I'd like to get more people involved at a younger age, so I would subsidise tickets to the 2012 Games for under-18s and ensure they make up a significant part of the crowd.
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