Television coverage in the UK of the Paralympics is tremendous. It was reported that 11.2 million spectators watched the opening ceremony last night, a best ever for the local Channel 4 and supposedly more than those who watched the last episode of Friends!
It seems like TV coverage is
non-stop today. Shooting, cycling, swimming, blind judo, wheelchair
basketball. Sarah Story won a British
Gold Medal today while setting a new world record in cycling. It’s great to
hear about the number of veterans from different countries who are
participating. The venues showcase
athleticism, performance, and achievement.
In total it is an inspiration.
The British press and others (including me) are wondering why there is
not more coverage in the States.
Free copies of the London Evening
Standard tonight enthusiastically reported “Records Smashed in Royal Start to
Games” alongside photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who attended
events today and cheered on “one massive family.” The Duke and Duchess attended a game of
goalball which is a game for the blind
and visually impaired who play with a ball specially adapted with bells. Each
player used covered eyeglasses and full-body blocks to keep the ball out of
goal.
The Grange St. Paul Hotel is the
International Paralympic family hotel.
The hotel is complete with Paralympic signage and information for family
members, athletes and visitors. It is a
great place for me to be because it is the hub of all of the operations of the
International Paralympic Committee.
Purple and gold banners are on display all over the hotel. There is a
sense of preparedness and expectancy —all under the slogan “Inspire a
Generation.”
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