Some people saw the
Paralympics merely as an opportunity to enjoy the park after missing out on
‘the real Olympics’. To share in the euphoria after the success of British
athletes such as Mo Farrah and Jess Ennis. While these feats were amazing, I’d
argue that Sarah Storey and David Weir picking up 4 gold medals each was far
more impressive. The outstanding achievements of athletes like these who have
had to overcome disability made the Paralympics of 2012 ‘the greatest show on earth’.
And ‘Wheelchair Boy’ was there.
The sun was out and there
wasn’t a cloud to be seen. It was not your typical London
weather so as the crowds entered Stratford; it
really did feel like a holiday somewhere on the Mediterranean
which was being taken over by tourists. But, one look in the murky River Thames
confirms you are still on British soil. After taking a few pictures for
Facebook, my first stop was the largest McDonalds in the world. It was nearly
lunchtime so very busy but the amount of tills and staff meant that there was
no queue. Impeccable service at McDonalds? That’s a first.
Our event was Goalball in
the Copperbox but it didn’t start until 6 so we had hours to kill. The ticket
allowed us entry into Eton Manor, the Basketball Arena and the Riverbank Arena
providing there were seats left. We decided to go and watch some football (well
I did because I can’t get enough). As we made our way to the Stadium, we were
able to soak up the warm, friendly atmosphere as well as opportunities for some
more photos. It was great to see and hear fans from other countries coming
together to celebrate sport. The great thing was that everyone was smiling and
seemed happy to be part of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the
football. The two teams, Ukraine
and Brazil,
were made up of players with various levels of disabilities, from Cerebal Palsy
to brain injuries. The quality of football on display was second to none,
particularly Brazil’s
magical counter-attack to make it 1-0. For me, it was like a dream. Superb football,
a great view, lovely arena and the sun was shining down on the pitch. All that
was needed to make it perfect was some barely dressed women, burger, chips and
unlimited drink.
By the time we got an
expensively priced Ice-Cream and enjoyed the live entertainment on offer (three
piece Mexican band), it was time to watch the Goalball. You probably haven’t
heard of it (I hadn’t) and it is a little different from any other sport.
Basically, there are four mini goals stuck together at either end of the pitch
which is about the size of a volleyball court. The aim is to throw the ball in
the opponent’s goal. Simple enough. But, the players are blind. It is
interesting because there is a bell in the ball so the crowd have to stay
quiet. However, some games can be too tactical with hardly any goals and so get
a bit boring to watch. So, after the second match, we decided to leave.
Before setting off for home,
we went up the Coca- Cola Beat Box which was disappointing at first. All you do
is touch things and they make a noise. Plus, most of the ‘instruments’ were too
high for me to reach so I was not that impressed. But, the top was worth it because
you get a picture with an Olympic torch. Coming down was good aswell because
you get a Coke (even though I hate fizzy drinks) and a break dancing/rap show. The
best thing was that it was all free and everyone loves freebies, even if it is
an extravagant marketing ploy.
I am so glad I went to the
park and shared in this historic occasion. I didn’t get to see any of the 120
medals for Team GB but that didn’t mean I enjoyed myself any less.
My Paralympics adventure
didn’t end there. Look out for some more blogs about the ExCel and my
interview.
Bye for now!
