Really looking forward to watching the opening ceremony tonight. Haven't got tickets - I'm too busy at the moment. Kids back at school next week, maybe I'll have more time then.

Sylvia xx

Look out for Leigh Walmsley, paralympic archer who has RA and is competing on 1st and 5th September and Pam Relph who has psoriatic arthritis and is rowing at Eton Dorney over the weekend. Lots of luck to them both!

Saw the swimming on TV last night - wow! The sheer diversity of body shapes, but a shared sense of pride shone through in all the competitors. I felt a much greater connection with these athletes than the Usain Bolts of this world - they seem to me to be real people with real lives not so very different from my own and it's fascinating to hear their stories of triumph in the face of adversity.

I think I have had a slightly sentimental view of disability (probably much the same as most people who've never had to think about it before) and the paralympics is definitely presenting a new perspective of maximising one's ABILITIES. I'm inspired to get out and go for it!

Come on GB

Sylvia xxx

ps I loved the opening ceremony with Stephen Hawking presiding over something or other! It was a bit baffling in places but I suppose it was meant to show order emerging out of the chaos of the Big Bang, and how science allows us to see the beauty of the universe - pretty profound stuff, and I wonder how it came across in other countries! I really enjoyed seeing all the athletes come in with their cameras and a multitude of wheelchairs - not sure that C4 coverage is as good as the BBC, but we'll see!

loving the para olympics......so is my daughter!!
She is screaming GB along....when GB wins she asks me to sing the national anthem to help her learn it!

Just so sweet to see her so into cheering GB along!

I keep getting tearful (as I tell her its not that I'm sad, so proud of the guys putting so much into their sport).

We love the cycling, swimming, judo.
No horse stuff (unless I'm upstairs watching tv without the dogs vocals & trying to jump up by the television!

Ch4 is frustrating, too many breaks, not enough screening of different sports and jumping from one sport to another leaving me feeling dizzy and not getting too settled into a particular sport for too long.

Just wished bbc was screening this as well, however we have Clare Balding in the late afternoon/evenings. She is warm and knows her subject.

Enjoy!
Jane
X

I think we were spoilt by the BBC coverage which was truly excellent. Claire Balding is really good - she's definitely blossomed during this past 6 weeks!! I like the guy who presents with her - I think he did para basketball. He's a newcomer but seems to do well.

I've not had as much time to watch these ones, but definitely enjoying it!

Sylvia xx