With the 2012 Games just around the corner, the search is on across schools in Waltham Forest for the next Paralympic star.

Pupils at Heathcote School try their hand at javelin throwing at the Score Centre in Leyton.

That search continued last week at the second of three events being run locally, known as "Identifying Ability Days"(IAD), aiming to identify disabled young people with the potential for professional athletics.

From more than 40 young people attending on the day, ten will head to the County Assessment Day later this year, where they will perform in front of representatives from national disability sports groups.

Dan Robson, school sports coordinator for the north of the borough said the days were about getting to know the students.

He said: "Identifying talented young disabled athletes can be difficult because you can be a great footballer but look average alongside your peers."

"As soon as you're playing with someone with the same impairment though, you might shine."

"One or two athletes will shine at the next level and after that, it's down to what they can do."

"Being an elite performer is not just about ability, it's about independence and self motivation."

The IAD are part of the national "Playground to Podium" scheme, run by the Youth Sport Trust, Sport England, UK Sport and the British Paralympic Association.

Budding wheelchair racer, Safraz Hanis, said: "I'm willing to go all the way."

"I will definitely go to London 2012 - I will do anything to make sure I get into the Games because everyone I know at my school tells me to sign up because they know I'm so quick."

The next event takes place at Walthamstow Pool and Track on May 21.

(Martyn Dolton)(The End)