RIO came to Newport on Wednesday as part of 10 nationwide carnivals organised by a charity supporting disabled people.

Along with inflatable palm trees, bunting and beach balls, everyone who is part of Leonard Cheshire’s ‘Can Do’ project in Newport, which offers volunteering opportunities for 10 to 35 year-old disabled people, had a chance to sample Rio at the Velodrome.

Along with their family, friends and staff, they watched the games while preparing homeless care packs for their community.

They also enjoyed nibbles and mocktails, while decorations including flamingos, pompoms and Rio flags created a South American atmosphere, with Brazilian music providing a fitting soundtrack.

Katrina Jones, the Can Do project co-ordinator said: "We are really enjoying watching and celebrating the Paralympics this month and a large number of our young Can Doers are joining in the celebrations.

"The importance of the Paralympics speaks for itself, since the games started back in 1960, it is now the second biggest sporting event.

"Watching the role models of today is extremely inspirational, and shows us what we can all achieve, that we are all equal, and will hopefully inspire our younger generations to be the role models of the future."

Leonard Cheshire Disability’s Carnivals have been staged across Great Britain throughout August and September.

The Rio roadshows have also visited Bristol, Bath, Gloucester, Inverness, Nottingham and Sutton Coldfield and will be heading to Cumbria, London and Kent within the next week.