Topaz, Ireland's largest fuels and convenience retailer has been announced as an official sponsor of the 2012 Irish Paralympic Team.

The company confirmed a five-figure sponsorship deal with Paralympics Ireland in the lead-up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games this August. As "Official Fuel and Convenience Partner", Topaz will promote the team and Irish Paralympic sport through its network of over 320 sites nationwide.

The Paralympic Games, held every four years in parallel with the Olympic Games, is the premier multisport event for elite athletes with a disability. Ireland is targeting a team of around 42 athletes across 9 sports and 26 have already secured slots in athletics, boccia, cycling, equestrian, rowing, sailing and table tennis. The full team will be announced in late June.

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Athlete Catherine Walsh, fresh from her recent gold medal victory at the UCI World Paracycling Track Championships in Los Angeles, attended the sponsorship announcement at Morton Stadium, Santry along with fellow Irish cycling squad members Cathal Miller and Enda Smyth.

Liam Harbison CEO of Paralympics Ireland, noted that the support of Topaz is very much appreciated. "Taking part in elite events is a very expensive business and we wouldn’t be able to compete without this kind of sponsorship. While the financial support is very important, especially in the current environment, the fact that all the Topaz sites and employees will be supporting the team and promoting the games is very heartening."

(CD)