Laois Lions and Clonaslee Clubs cheer on Portarlington Paralympian

There is great pride in Laois this week as Laois paralympian Nicole Turner competes in Paris this week.

Laois Lions and Clonaslee Clubs cheered on the swimmer, and are 'excited' to see Ms Turner compete on the world stage.

 “Laois Lions, Clonaslee Clubs and IWA-Sport clubs across Ireland are excited for the next two weeks to see our members competing in Paris on the world stage," said According to Nicky Hamill, Director of Irish Wheelchair Association- Sport.

"IWA Sport is a local sports outlet for so many Para Athletes and we hope this Paralympics inspires a whole new generation of young people as well as adults to get involved in sport and join us.”

Ms Turner is one of the youngest squad members to have progressed onto the senior Paralympic swimming scene, having started in her local club Laois Marlins.

Ms Turner's fellow paralympian and IWA-Sport Ambassador Mary Fitzgerald, who will compete for Ireland in the Para Athletics Shot Put event, recently highlighted the importance of Para Sport clubs such as Laoius Lions and Clonaslee.

“You just have to focus on the positives of what sport can bring," Ms Fitzgerald said at the annual IWA-Sport Para Athletics.

“It keeps you fit and healthy. It allows you to meet such fabulous people along the way. I have lifelong friends that I will have for my whole life that I've made through sport," she said.

Ms Fitzgerald was speaking at the event recently to encourage young people and adults with disabilities who are enjoying the Paralympics to find out more about their local IWA-Sport Club, such as Laois Lions and Clonaslee.

“There are so many opportunities, so many sports available as well,” the paralympian said.

“It's not just track and field.... there's Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby. There are options out there, and the opportunities to try sports are available. If you're inspired and you want to go out there and start.... go out and find your local multi-sport club," she finished.