ATHLETES attending the first ParalympicsGB Preparation Camp at the University of Bath found themselves stranded following the severe weather that has struck much of the country.
Forty-two athletes were due to leave the camp today – with another 40 planning to arrive to take their place.
However ParalympicsGB have cancelled the second wave and advised the athletes currently training there to stay put until the weather and road conditions have improved.
The university has closed with only certain operational staff on site to ensure that the stranded athletes are provided for.
ParalympicsGB Performance Director Penny Briscoe said:
“This was always billed as a test camp but we didn’t expect the biggest test to come from the weather!”
“The university has been fantastic in putting emergency plans in place to ensure that all the athletes currently here are kept warm and well fed. For them, the chance to do extra training as a squad is a bonus.
“The athletes due to arrive today are naturally disappointed but clearly everyone’s safety comes first.”
Meanwhile, university staff members have battled through the snow this morning to keep the Sports Training Village and accommodation blocks open for the ParalympicsGB stranded athletes and support staff.
“It’s been a fantastic team effort as well as a strong test of us as hosts,” said a Team Bath spokeperson this morning.
“Other staff have stayed on campus overnight or have been collected by 4×4 vehicles in order to ensure that a food service can be provided as well as the opportunity to train in the Sports Training Village.”
