ABERDEEN athletics ace Neil Fachie’s Beijing dream was today set to become a reality.

Sprinter Fachie will be part of the British team at the opening ceremony for the 2008 Paralympics.

The visually-impaired Bridge of Don-based runner arrived in China last Sunday, having been an avid viewer of the Olympics.

Fachie admits it is surreal to be in Beijing so soon after the Games, but believes that feeling will disappear today.

He said: “Having watched the Olympics on TV, it is strange to be here now and doesn’t seem quite real yet.

“I’m sure at the sold out opening ceremony, when there are 91,000 people in the Bird’s Nest Stadium, I will start to realise just how real it is.

“I’ve heard rumours there have been 80,000 tickets sold per day at the stadium, so it’s going to be massive.”

Fachie will compete in the 100m next Saturday.

The 200m heats follow on Monday and, should he qualify, the final is on Tuesday.

Fachie revealed his ambition at the Paralympics is to set personal best times in both events.

He said: “If I set personal bests in Beijing, then I won’t be disappointed.”