Quinn said he was honoured to have been chosen as an ambassador for the event.

"I was delighted to be approached to take part in this event," he said.

"Paralympians hold a special place in Irish hearts, they inspire each and every one of us and they are proof that, with talent and determination, nothing can stop you reaching your goals.

"Dublin 2018 will be a great event and something that my family and I are really looking forward to and I can't wait to be involved as an ambassador.

"It's a privilege.

"I love to watch Para-sports, especially the Paralympic Games.

"To me Para-sports are totally inspiring.

"The athletes themselves are incredible as is their level of performance.

"I have been fortunate to play sport at a high level so I understand the discipline and self-sacrifice required to succeed.

"Seeing the standards that Para-athletes set in competition and on the training ground proves that they rightly sit among the upper echelons of the sporting elite."

As part of his duties, the former Premier League striker will also compete in a 50 metre race during the competition, something he appears to be slightly daunted by.

"I am useless [at swimming] if the truth be known but the competitive side of me still lurks away in my head so I’ll be secretly swimming half lengths in the build-up," he said.

"I remember first going to Templeogue Pool with my primary school and getting a bad tip from one of my mates not to do the beginner class as you'd not swim properly for months so I joined the 'able swimmer' class.

"Big mistake, as I nearly drowned and developed terrible bad habits that have gone uncorrected to this day."

Quinn has joined Irish rugby union player Gordon D'Arcy, athletics Olympian Jessie Barr and fellow footballer Amber Barrett as an ambassador for the Dublin 2018 World Para Swimming European Championships, which will take place from August 13 to 19.