Photo - Clare Green, ParalympicsGB
Wheelchair tennis star Peter Norfolk has today been announced as the flagbearer for the British Paralympic team at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Norfolk, who is 52 years old, was a gold medallist in the Quad Singles event at Beijing 2008 and Athens 2004. He also has a Doubles bronze from Beijing and a Doubles silver from Athens to his name. He is the current world no.3 in singles and no.1 in doubles.
Speaking today Norfolk said: "I'm absolutely blown away to be selected as the British flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony. It was a huge surprise when I was told and I feel it is a very great honour.
"I'm really looking forward to competing in the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and I'm eager to get to the Village and Eton Manor and get going now. I can feel the excitement is really building as everyone is talking about the Games and getting behind the athletes wishing them luck. I'm very humbled to lead in the ParalympicsGB team that I'm sure can make Great Britain very, very proud.
"This will be my first Opening Ceremony as my playing schedules have meant I missed the other two so this will be an especially magical moment for me."
ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission Craig Hunter congratulated Norfolk today, saying: "Congratulations to Pete Norfolk on this outstanding honour. To carry the flag at the head of the team at any Games is a unique honour but this is made even more special because it will be in front of a home crowd.
"Pete has been selected following a vote from his fellow team-members so this is true recognition of his outstanding sporting achievement."
The Opening Ceremony will be held on Wednesday August 29th before the wheelchair tennis event starts at Eton Manor on Saturday September 1st.
Find out more about Peter here.
Share