Athens 2004 will be the first Paralympic Games for Ross Morrision from Fareham, who is part of the British Rugby team - and he can't wait.

"To be honest the opening ceremony is going to be awesome, and once the games start it'll just be great to be there", he said.

Peter Norfolk is ranked No1 in the quad division (quad - for players affected in three or more limbs)

Ross was a spectator at the last games in Sydney and was so inspired that he decided - there and then - he wanted to be part of the Athens 2004 team.

"I quit my university course - I was studying in Southampton at the time - and decided to concentrate on Rugby full-time".

Ross has already picked up a gold medal at the 2003 European championships, and goes into the games full of confidence and optimism.

"We've beat every team except the USA, and we know how to beat them", he said. "We firmly believe we can get to the final and we'll be disappointed if we don't."

Wheelchair rugby is played on a basketball court and each team has four players. "You just go at it - it's pretty full on", Ross said. " The chair gets a real battering."

Amongst the other competitors from the South is champion tennis player Peter Norfolk.

After a successful 2003/4 season Peter Norfolk from Fleet has risen to No.1 in the world. Despite a serious cycling injury earlier in the year he has recovered to lead team GB's tennis squad.

Norfolk is joined by local team mates Helana Lucas (sailing) Kim Minett (shot and discus) and Darren Kenny (cycling).