HUU NDO UFUNGUZI WA Paralympics LONDON

Paralympics

Fireworks ... the opening ceremony

THE synthesised voice of 70-year-old Big Bang genius Stephen Hawking echoed around the hushed Olympic Stadium.

The world-famous wheelchair-bound physicist said: “Look up at the stars, and not down at your feet. Be curious.”
Hawking is a shining beacon of the Paralympics ethos of concentrating on what you can do rather than what you can’t do.
And last night 80,000 spectators in the London 2012 stadium watched transfixed as Professor Hawking heralded something special. Something British.

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The Paralympics had come home on a scale the World War II veterans who competed at the first Games at Stoke Mandeville in 1948 could never have imagined. In they came, 4,280 athletes from 166 nations. All, in Hawking's words, had been curious. All had looked to the stars.

They included British 100metre sprinter and world record holder Jonnie Peacock.
Despite having only one leg, his best time is an astonishing 10.85 seconds. The quickest time of Usain Bolt, the fastest man ever, is 9.58.
Jonnie will face Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius in the blue riband clash of the Paralympic giants. Top level sport at its finest.Then there was discus thrower Derek Derenalagi, whose artificial limbs replacing the ones blown off by the Taliban are decorated with Union Jacks. And Martine Wright, representing Team GB at women’s sitting volleyball, who lost her legs in the 7/7 bombings.

So proud ... David Cameron and wife Samantha

Alpha Press

All incredible examples of human endeavour. Of the strength of the human will. Proof that sometimes sport is very much more than just games.
The wild applause rippled from this grand stadium’s canvas and steel roof down to the red running track where these athletes will perform in the next 11 days. It was the same intoxicating Olympic spirit that swamped Stratford when Mo and Jess were performing their heroics. The same respect. The London crowds want to watch elite sport. The feelings of those I spoke to in the stadium last night were of awe, not pity.
Volunteer Lisa Hawkins, who was showing spectators to their seats, said: “It’s the experience of a lifetime. There’s the same buzz in the stadium as the Olympics.

Red, white and blue ... Team GB athlete

“I did the test events for both sets of Games in May and enjoyed the Paralympics more. It’s just so inspirational, I’m in awe of the Paralympians.” The early evening drizzle did nothing to dampen last night’s party atmosphere. Nursery nurse Susan Knowles, 53, and niece Stephanie Davis, 24, had come down from Leeds to be part of a historic celebration. She said: “I’m so glad just to be a part of it. The atmosphere is amazing.

Mexican wave ... country's wheelchair athletes sport ponchos

“I believe the Paralympics are as big as the Olympics and I hope they are incorporated and run at the same time in 2016.” Primary school teacher Stephanie added: “The Paralympics will be eye-opening for people and teach them so much. Both games have been wonderful for the country and brought everyone together.” Social worker Steph Allman, 31, said: “Sporting excellence is difficult as it is, let alone if you suffer from a serious disability. These Games will inspire disabled children to get involved in sport.

Arriving ... William and Kate last night

“There will be more role models and more opportunities. Hopefully it will help improve the public’s attitude to disabled people too.”
The sheer numbers of spectators certainly demonstrate the level of acceptance both for the Games and those with disabilities. Organisers confidently hope the Games will transform attitudes to disability in the UK. Currently less than half of those with disabilities in the UK are in employment. More than half live below the poverty line. Yet the sheer scale of the audience — the biggest ever for a Paralympics — proves this country’s acceptance of these athletes.
With 2.4 million tickets sold these Games are no longer a sideshow tagged on at the end of the Olympics. And the Paralympics is a British sporting creation every much as football, cricket, rugby or golf.

Flame ... the Paralympic Cauldron

Alpha Press

Martin McElhatton, chief executive of wheelchair sport organisation WheelPower, said: “We should be very proud as a nation that we gave the Paralympics to the world.” The games were born some 95 miles from the London 2012 stadium in the Buckinghamshire village of Stoke Mandeville.

In the hospital there, neurosurgeon Sir Ludwig Guttmann set up the first specialist treatment centre for servicemen in 1944.
On 28 July 1948 — at a time when disabled people were shut away in care homes — he hosted a small archery and javelin competition for 16 paralysed men and women. Guttman, a Jewish German refugee from Nazi Germany, believed it was a “demonstration to the public that competitive sport is not the prerogative of the able-bodied.” The event slowly grew until it became the massive sporting event we see today.

Game boy ... Belgian athlete's dog

Guttmann died in 1980. His daughter Eva recently said he would be bursting with pride. Sally Haynes, paralysed from the waist down after a horse-riding accident, is one of Guttman’s former patients. She said: “I think the world has accepted us now. I didn’t ever think we would get this far.”
This summer’s second great sporting chapter for Britain has begun with all the same ingredients as the first. Smiling soldiers and polite purple-clad volunteers, British good manners and our new Union Jack-waving patriotism for all.
Danny Boyle’s Olympic opener showcased Britain’s irreverence and humour.

Royals ... Queen and Prince Edward

Last night’s spectacular Paralympic ceremony majored on Britain’s scientific achievements and how they have helped our understanding of the universe. At its core was the message that each of us has an ability to succeed at something. Hawking, author of the best- selling A Brief History of Time and described by organisers as “the most famous disabled man in the world”, returned as fireworks lit up the night sky.
He said: “However difficult life may seem. There is always something you can do and succeed at.”

Paralympian Martine took up sitting volleyball as part of her rehab after the 7/7 terror attacks.
She said: “July 6 was the day we won the games and then there was July 7, the day the bombing happens. In my mind these days will always be connected.
“When I go through that stadium I’ll feel like I have gone full circle. I’m just so proud, with my friends and family watching at home.”

Last night the Olympic flame flickered around its cauldron once more. The adrenaline-rush of faster, higher, stronger was upon us once more.
Then came the rousing sing-along finale of I Am What I Am.
As an anthem for these games, it couldn’t be bettered.