Team GBR

Paralympic gold medallist Simon Laurens and European triple gold medallist Sophie Wells joined the celebrations yesterday to mark 1,000 days to go to the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

A selection of Paralympians were invited to mark the event at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park, where the equestrian events will be held in 2012. With the meridian line, iconic views across the city and across to where the equestrian arena will be, the Observatory was the ideal setting for the event.

"When I first started para-equestrian dressage, London 2012 was my original goal," said Sophie Wells. "To have myself in the right position I wanted to do the 2009 European Championships and now I am working towards being selected for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. I want to get all the experience I need and be in the best possible position to be selected for London 2012, the equestrian squad is strong and so competitive it is really important to keep ontrack with all my goals over the next 1,000 days."

A nationwide talent recruitment drive was also launched by UK Sport, the English Institute of Sport and the British Paralympic Association. They're looking for people with an impairment who think they might have what it takes to compete in 2012 with an online registration available.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG), said: "In 1,000 days’ time we will be welcoming the Paralympic Games home and we will deliver a spectacular showcase for Paralympic sport. This is a golden opportunity to raise awareness of Paralympic sport, challenge stereotypes about disability and secure a legacy which will have every disabled child getting greater access to sport. As the clock counts down to 2012, there is still time to get involved in the Paralympic Games, and still time to become part of the British team."

• Listen to Sophie Wells being interviewed by the BBC
• See the images and video from the event on the London 2012 website
• See BBC London's coverage of the event