PARALYMPICS

I just wish is was on the BBC, so that I could sit and enjoy it feeling that the two events were being presented as true equals - different, but of exactly the same value.

Channel 4 is a pain with its adverts and poor production values. There are too many talking heads and not enough action.

While doing the ironing and managing to put up the hem on a pair of trousers, I have been watching paralympic cycling - fantastic riding from Sarah Storey - and have just swum 400 metres with Ellie Simmomds. What a swimmer! They are trying to interview her at the moment and she is trying so hard to control the tears. I wish they would give her a few minutes to collect herself!

I wonder if the paralympics - which I am loving - will help change attitudes to disability? I can't help feeling that the sight of so many people with disabilities excelling on television every day must encourage us all to view those with disabilities as impressive rather than pitiable.

What excitement tonight , David Weir winning, Ellie Simmonds yesterday, and the amazing athletes running on those blades at such speeds.
The Equestrian events are so impressive, I have enjoyed both Olympics and Paralympic events more than I ever imagined I would!

I wonder if the number of medals won, so different from the other Olympic games, tells us something about attitudes to disability in different countries.
Australia is well up the table, and the USA is well down. GB continues to do well. Good on 'em!

Just dropped DH off at station to go up to London , where he is meeting DD. SIL, and DG"S to go to the paralympics . Lucky them , they are beyond excited . Thrilling ! [flag torch]

All the paralympic athletes, regardless of whether they win a medal or not, are testament to the true spirit of gamesmanship. I am in awe of their individual endeavour and achievements.

You are right on themoney there Soop ! It must be thrilling to see them in real life , i couldn"t go . [will the emoticon come up ?]

Yeah!!!

All these athletes are so inspiring! I shall be sorry to miss the closing ceremony tomorrow.

Being there on Thursday evening was absolutely amazing; the whole experience was wonderful The French athlete singing the Marseilles (sorry spelling wonky at this time in the morning) got the whole stadium cheering at her enthusiasm {and I joined in too!!} Unforgettable. Have missed it until Friday as was abroad with little television cvoverage, but have been glued since my visit on Thursday. Hope the Closing Ceremony lives up to your descriptions of the opening one.

eGJ husband said the same as you , the whole atmosphere yesterday was incredible, they loved every minute of it. Shame no medals , but there you go ! [flag torch]

I was in the Stadium on Friday evening & saw the marathon on Sunday. I noticed how quickly I forgot the disabilities & just saw competitors as athletes. I actually found watching the Paralympics more exciting than watching the Olympics. Wheelchairs thundering past at speed (even in the marathon) were akin to chariot races. Because of all the ddifferent categories there was much more going on all over the stadium. I became so involved that when I realised my day care of GS coincided with yesterday's Parade through London, I decided to go up & found a good spot near the Mansion House without much waiting. I was amazed by how much bigger and better the Parade & the crowds were than I'd expected. I was surprised by how the hairs on the back of my neck tingled as we came up close to all these amazing people. Most looked so young as well so great hopes for Rio. I've now vowed to be less blase & cynical about these events in future.

Gadabout My sister went up yesterday and I've just had an hour long conversation about her day. Hope you waved a ! I agree that there was so much going on in the stadium it was non stop excitement. What the television doesn't record is the sound of that ROAR............tingling!