The countdown is on towards another fantastic celebration of sport when the Paralympic Games open on August 29 and that will be mirrored by a programme of participation in Charnwood.

Following on from the success of taster sessions during the Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Charnwood Borough Council's Sport and Active Recreation Team are planning to take an activity programme to disability groups.

The Paralympics, which will feature, among others, Anstey discus star Dan Greaves, aim to re-ignite the flame of people's hearts as 10 days of competition get underway – and a number of local events have been lined up to coincide with the iconic event.

Chris Traill, Charnwood Borough Council's Strategic Director for Community Wellbeing, said: "Everyone in the nation has been moved by the passion for sport and national pride that the Olympics and Paralympics have brought.

"We are delighted to put on local events which sustain that excitement and support for our athletes. It will be wonderful for our communities to share and celebrate!"

The Opening Ceremony is on August 29 and, on the same day, Capital FM will be setting up a roadshow in Loughborough Town Centre, helping to promote the activities being lined up for people with disabilities during the Paralympics.

A Paralympic Festival of Sport takes place at Loughborough University on September 3 from 11am to 1pm, with an open invite to adults with disabilities to attend the event. Activities will include Goalball, a team sport designed for blind athletes, football and Boccia, a Paralympic version of bowls.

Other events for people with disabilities include a guided walk on September 4 between 2pm and 4pm at Derby Road Playing Fields, and Geocaching, an adventure activity which uses Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to locate hidden items. The event will be at Watermead Leisure Park on September 5 between 10am and 12 noon.

People bitten by the Paralympic bug can also get down to Loughborough Lions' Sitting Volleyball Club's weekly sessions from Wednesday September 12 at Limehurst High School (7.15pm and 8.45pm). This accessible sport is open to anyone.

Following the conclusion of the Paralympics, there will also be a legacy event for people with disabilities at a tennis taster session at Loughborough Tennis Club on September 10.

From 10am until 11.45am, there will be a wheelchair session involving Paralympian Dave Phillipson and national coach Martyn Whait followed by a learning disability session from 12.15pm to 2pm.

The Charnwood team will also be providing sport and physical activities for Ashmount School in Loughborough during the Paralympics.

More than 2.1 million tickets have been sold, eclipsing Beijing which sold 1.8 million and it is likely to be the first Paralympics to sell out.

Further details on the Paralympic events are available from Will Blanche, Senior Active Recreation Development Officer, on 01509 634966 or by emailing Will.blanche@charnwood.gov.uk