‘I hope I don’t get blown away’: rider to bear British flag at Paralympic opening ceremony
Para dressage rider Lee Pearson will be the British flag-bearer at the Rio Paralympic opening ceremony tomorrow (Wednesday, 7 September).
The 10-time Paralympic gold medallist was nominated for the honour in a vote by his fellow athletes.
Lee said he is “so proud and honoured” to be the flagbearer for such a “talented, strong and passionate” group of British athletes.
“Being a diverse character myself has meant that being voted by the athletes themselves has made this moment even more special,” he said.
“I genuinely feel that we are among the best prepared and supported athletes at the Paralympic Games and I can’t wait to lead my fellow team mates from ParalympicsGB into the stadium in a day’s time — I hope I don’t get blown away!”
Watch the live announcement at the Team GB house in Rio from Britain’s official paralympic broadcaster Channel 4…
Flag Bearer AnnouncementStraight from British House in Rio. Congratulations to ParalympicsGB Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer Mr Lee Pearson CBEPosted by C4Paralympics on Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Anne Dunham, Sophie Christiansen, Natasha Baker and Sophie Wells join Lee on the British para dressage squad in Rio.
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All horses and riders have arrived in Brazil, with the equestrian competition starting on 11 September and running until 18 September.
“Lee has been a cornerstone of our equestrian team since he first made his debut in Sydney and has played a key role in establishing Great Britain as a leading Paralympic nation in the sport,” said ParalympicsGB chef de mission Penny Briscoe.
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“I was delighted to inform him that he has been chosen, with the backing of his peers in Rio, to take the role of flagbearer in the opening ceremony, and the team will be proud to march out behind him.
“I hope it is one of many memorable moments that he will take away from this Games, and wish him all the very best in his upcoming competition.”
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.