In February this year Manchester City's Shay Given helped launch the 2010 BT Parlaympic World Cup along with Jordan Raynes, captain of the GB 7-a-side Football Team, Tanya Crook (ParalympicsGB) and Jeff Davis (Football Association). The players also give a sport demonstration in Manchester's Arndale Centre along with Burnley players Wade Elliott & Michael Duff, and the GB Football 7-a-side Team.
At a top table press conference Tanya Crook from ParalympicsGB introduced the BT Paralympic World Cup 2010 and talked of the sports and concepts to be involved in this year's event.
Shay Given spoke of the opportunity for Football 7-a-side players to be involved in a World Cup competition which will give valuable experience to all the teams, although, he jokes, he will be supporting the Republic of Ireland.
Jeff Davis from the FA stated that his team would gain a valuable experience from Football 7-a-side being included in the BT Paralympic World Cup and spoke for his international colleagues who are also excited that the sport will be included in this year's event.
Finally Jordan Raynes, captain of the GB Football 7-a-side team spoke about the opportunity this competition would provide for the GB Team; they would play in a high pressure environment against some of their greatest international rivals. This competition would provide top level experience that is invaluable in the build up to London 2012.
The players then moved to an inflatable football pitch set up in the Arndale Centre, Manchester, for a sport demonstration.
