Around 4,500 athletes and 2,300 officials will participate in 20 sports making the Paralympic Games the second largest multi-sport event in the world, following only the Olympic Games. The London 2012 Paralympic Games will be held from 29 August to 9 September.

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (London 2012), said: "29 August 2012 will be a great day in the history of sport for people with a disability in the UK...The Paralympic Games and the Paralympic Movement began in the UK and have a special place in the history and development of sport in this country. Our vision for the London 2012 Paralympic Games is to set new standards for services, facilities and opportunities for people who play sport with a disability. London will host the best ever Paralympic Games in 2012, and also ensure that a lasting legacy is left for sport for people with a disability."

London 2012 is determined to ensure a Paralympic legacy in terms of venue design and creating a new model of good practice in relation to inclusivity. The integration and co-ordination of all planning for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is unique.

The focus will be on an athlete-centred Paralympic Games, based on a 'compact' approach with eleven events within the main Olympic Park in Stratford (Archery, Athletics, Cycling, Football 5-a-side, Football 7-a-side, Goalball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Fencing, Wheelchair Rugby and Wheelchair Tennis).

In addition, Boccia, Judo, Powerlifting, Volleyball (Sitting) and Wheelchair Basketball, will all take place at the nearby ExCeL Centre, Equestrian events at Greenwich Park and Shooting at the Royal Artillery Barracks. Rowing will be held at Dorney Lake, while the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy will host the Sailing events.

The Olympic Delivery Authority, responsible for building the infrastructure for the Games, will ensure all venues are fully accessible and that transport upgrades to London's transport infrastructure can provide fully accessible transport options for all Games venues.

Xavier Gonzalez, International Paralympic Committee Chief Executive Officer, visited London recently and praised London's progress in planning for the Paralympic Games so far.

He commented: "London is clearly taking the issue of staging a successful Paralympic Games seriously and are, six years out, in a very good position in terms of strategic thinking and planning. This is very important for the Games themselves and also the legacy that London will profit from, which will last long after 2012."