Mullagh's Arendse to Carry Flag

Britney Arendse is set to share the honour of carrying the Irish flag as part of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony.

The Mullagh powerlifter will have the honour alongside another of Ireland’s first time Paralympians, Jordan Lee.

Britney Arendse was delighted to be named as a flag bearer: “This came as the most pleasant of shocks when I was approached to be a flag bearer. This is a great honour and I know that my parents and all my neighbours and friends will be delighted when they hear the news.

"Now I can’t wait to get to the stadium and, along with Jordan, lead out my team mates behind the tricolor.”

Reacting to the news of his selection Jordan Lee said “This is honestly a dream come true. I did not expect this but I am truly embracing it. I actually got a little bit emotional when I was asked, I know that this will be a moment that will love forever and I can’t wait to get out there”

Paralympics Ireland Chef de Mission Neasa Russell said “We are very proud to introduce Jordan and Britney as our official Team Ireland flag bearers. These are two young rising stars in their sports and they are very deserving of this opportunity. I know that they will perform this role really well and they will do their families, their communities, their country and themselves very proud.”

The ceremony will be shown live on RTE 2 with coverage starting at 11:50am with a highlight show at 7pm. 4,521 athletes representing 168 National Paralympic Committees are due to compete at the Paralympic Games across 22 sports between August 24 and September 5.

Barry McClements is due to be the fithketerst Irish a in competition at the Games when he competes in the 400 metre Freestyle in the pool at around the same time that Colin Judge is due to begin his group stage in Table Tennis.

Both flag bearers must wait until Day 5 of the competition on Sunday , August 29th when Jordan’s High Jump and Britney’s Power lifting competitions take place.