David Ruffley MP has today welcomed the news that Suffolk is to host a major disability sport event in September of this year.

Disability charity Optua is holding the Disability Sport Academy Showcase Day on Saturday 16 September at Northgate Sports Centre in Ipswich.

The event has been organised as part of Optua's Suffolk Disability Sport Academy project which aims to introduce more disabled people to Paralympic sports.

Some of the sports confirmed include archery, football, wheelchair basket ball, wheelchair tennis, judo, boccia and goalball.

David said:

'This is fantastic news for Suffolk- the Disability Sport Academy Showcase Day will be the largest disability sport event ever to be held in the county.

'It will be a wonderful opportunity for people already involved in disability sport to try something new or for those who have never tried one to attend and see if it is for them.

'In 2012 the Paralympics will be coming to London and people from Suffolk could be taking part if they get involved now.'

Notes to editors:

The showcase event is free and will be taking place between 11am and 5pm on Saturday 16 September at Northgate Sports Centre Ipswich.

More information is available at www.optua.org.uk