Paralympic Games 2012: 100 days to go

Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, chaired a press conference at Manchester City's Etihad stadium this morning, which included some of the athletes taking part this week.

Craven said: "In order to deliver the most successful games to date, it is vital that our elite performers benefit from the best possible preparations, and this is why the BT Paralympic World Cup has become a momentous event in this year's sporting calendar."

Four time gold medalist Oscar Pistorius, said this week's World Cup is a 'crucial step' in his Olympic and Paralympic preperations. The double amputee sprinter, also known as 'blade runner,' will compete in the 200 metre race at the arena tomorrow.

Pistorius said: "I am absolutely delighted that in the most important year of my career so far, I am starting my European season in Manchester. The BT Paralympic World Cup is an event which I hold very dear to my heart. I have had great support from the city ever since I competed here back in 2005, and BT is a brand which has continually demonstrated its commitment to disability sport".

The 25-year-old hopes that London 2012 will be a milestone for Paralympic sport, and believes it will showcase the true sporting abilities of Paralympic athletes to the world.

For the second-year running, Channel 4 - the London 2012 Paralympic Games host broadcaster - will provide multi-platform coverage of the events this week.