Wales must build on its Paralympic success, according to Welsh sports bosses, in the wake of Wales having its best games ever. Thirty eight Welsh athletes made Team GB, winning 15 medals – one more than Beijing, despite 11 athletes retiring since 2008.

This medal haul is thanks largely to the invesment in the community programme in 2000, which has significantly boosted community opportunities, and the setting up of an Academy to identify and develop talent.

“We have nurtured a new generation of elite athletes who are fulfilling their medal potential, which reflects well on the Elite Sport Strategy and the medal targets which were set across London and Rio,” says chair of Disability Sport Wales, Gareth John MBE. “Fifteen medals in the toughest Paralympic Games ever is something that will sit in the history books as a huge achievement in Welsh sport.”

Sport Wales has recently announced additional funding for disability sport coaching, meaning a total annual investment in the governing body of more than £1m. Additional lottery funding of £9m a year, will take investment in community sport in Wales up to £32m annually.

“Paralympic sport is at its highest standard ever, with more countries taking part and younger athletes coming onto the scene. That is set to continue and it will get ever more difficult to win medals,” says Sports Wales chair, Professor Laura McAllister. “We need to be unashamedly ambitious in our quest for success.”