By Sarah Marl

DISABILITY SPORT ENGLAND, SUPPORTED BY LEISURE CONNECTION LTD, IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE BRITISH OPEN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL BE HELD ON 16th-17th AUGUST 2003 AT ALEXANDER STADIUM, BIRMINGHAM.

This INTERNATIONAL event is set to be the biggest multi-disability athletics event been held in this country in years. Over 300 athletes, including many world record holders, from 21 countries will be competing in a weekend of a full track and field programme. This is an event worth savouring- as it is fast becoming rumoured to be a trailer for the Paralympics in 2004.

Amongst the British team looking for hot competition on the track are Tanni Grey-Thompson, Lloyd Upsdell, David Holding, Tushar Patel, Hazel Robson and Deborah Brennan. On the field- watch out for Stephen Miller and Ken Churchill. Teams from as far a field as Jamaica, Mauritius, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong China, India and Qatar will all be testing their athletic ability at Alexander Stadium.

Youngsters coming through the brilliant Disability Sport England Junior Events Programme, who are set to impress the crowds in the Midlands, are Shelly Woods from Birmingham and Brian Alldis from Bury St Edmonds. These two wheelchair racers have a brilliant history in the Adidas London Mini Wheelchair Marathon and will show their scope in the sprints as well as middle distances.

With a crowd of record holders from across the globe joining together in Birmingham, and with IPC (International Paralympic Committee) sanctioning, it means that athletes are out to set new times and hopefully- some more world records. The Paralympics 2004 in Athens is growing nearer and the athletes will want to get noticed.

Leisure Connection is proud to be associated with Disability Sport England and the British Open Athletics Championships. They run 120 sports centres across Britain, including the National Sport England venues. One of these is the newly renovated Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Therefore, they realise the importance of developing more opportunities for people to participate in sport and leisure activities.

Aqua-Pura is sponsoring the water for the third year running. Well Well Well- the company that produces the water, are official suppliers to UK Athletics. This highlights the great relationship building between DSE and the National Governing Bodies.

Also assisting the event is Birmingham City Council, who has been a constant support for this event over the last few years. We are sure Birmingham is proud to be holding one of the best disability athletics events ever held in this country.

Our athletics programme focuses on skills and talent development aswell as building confidence through the medium of sport. We appreciate the continued support from all sponsors, without whose assistance, we would not be able to provide top sporting opportunities for disabled sports people. At DSE we want to help realise as many disabled athletes sporting aspirations as possible, enabling them to reach their full potential. If you are interested in athletics or want to take part in our events please contact our national office.

Saturday  
9.30am First Event
Midday Official Opening  
Approx 5pm Close

Sunday 
9.30am First Event

Spectators and media are welcome to attend free of charge.

Media Contact: Sarah Marl  020 8801 4466/ 07739 518693

Disability Sport England co-ordinates 14 National Championships- making us the number one events agency in the country.  Our system for multi-disability competition is renowned and respected around the world. We are proud of the millions of disabled sportspeople who are constantly coming through our programmes.