Spirits in the Irish team could not be better amid the hospitality and goodwill that Australia has generated for the 2000 Paralympic Games. While Sydney has been whipping up enthusiasm for the competition, which began this morning, the 39-strong squad have been finalising their preparations. And the atmosphere in the host city has delighted the Irish Paralympians.
"The response has been unbelievable," said Anne Ebbs of the Irish Paralympic Council. "We thought Seoul and Barcelona were great Games, but already this is something special."
The team, now housed in the Paralympic village, are confident they can secure a significant medal tally. Having arrived in their Newcastle training camp, north of Sydney, on October 7th, all are reported fit and a relaxed mood prevails in the camp.
Ireland will be represented in six of the 18 Paralympic sports, and the feeling in the team is that the total of one gold, three silver and six bronze won in Atlanta will at least be equalled.
"This is the best prepared Irish team ever," according to wheelchair sprinter John Fulham. "The time spent in Newcastle helped, we were able to get over the jet-lag and get down to training. It helped relax the team. At this stage all the hard work is done and it is important to be able to relax, to focus and get ready for competition."
With ticket sales booming, the prospect of performing in front of what will be the biggest crowds of their careers is something that the team is looking forward to.
Fulham's optimism is shared by fellow wheelchair racer Patrice Dockery, who is hoping to put the disappointment of Atlanta, where she finished fourth, behind her as she bids for medals in four events.
Dockery's campaign begins tomorrow, when she competes in the T54 100 metres, and the Dubliner fully believes she is capable of success.
"Today was my last full training session and I'm happy with the way I'm moving," she said. "I'm pushing well, I really have no complaints with the way training has gone and am confident going into Friday's race."
