'Statements of intent are simply not enough' - Dee Doocey AM

9.20.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 17th Sep 2008

Commenting on the news that the International Paralympic Authority has refused confirm whether athletes with intellectual disability will be able to compete at London 2012 Dee Doocey AM, the Liberal Democrat's Olympics spokesperson at the London Assembly, says: "I am horrified the International Paralympic Authority hasn't fully sanctioned the inclusion of these athletes at London 2012.

"The IPC's comments that the athletes' inclusion is a "viable and reasonable objective" is just a poor statement of intent which need not be backed up with any concrete action."

The IPC has declared athletes with intellectual disability will be allowed to compete on the regional and world stage in 2009 but have stopped short of making a decision on allowing them to compete at London 2012.

The UK Sports Association has welcomed the decision regarding 2009 but says the lack of commitment for London 2012 is disappointing, a sentiment Dee totally backs.

She says "I totally support the position of the UK Sports Association. They've called upon the Prime Minister, the London 2012 Organising Committee, the Secretary of State and the Mayor of London to declare these athletes should be welcome at London 2012.

"I'll be doing all I can to put pressure on Mayor Johnson to ensure all athletes will be able to compete on a level playing field when the games come to London."