Disability Sport Wales
Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru
The Federation of Disability Sport Wales (FDSW) is a pan-disability National Governing Body of Sport Which aims to promote and develop quality sports opportunities
Athletes Gear Up For Paralympics In 2012
Today marks exactly three years to the beginning of the London Paralympic Games.
Seventeen days after the Olympic Games draw to a close, some 4,200 disabled athletes will be beginning their 11-day programme of events.
The Games are being seen as a homecoming for the Paralympics, which were born in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire in 1948.
“In three years’ time we will be welcoming the Paralympics Games home and we will deliver a spectacular showcase for Paralympics Sport”, said Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee.
“However, we have greater ambitions. This is a golden opportunity to raise awareness of Paralympics sport…and to challenge stereotypes about disability.”
There is still considerable disparity between the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and how the sports and athletes are supported.
Britain’s Paralympians finished second in the tables in Beijing, bringing home 120 medals compared with the 47 won by their able-bodied counterparts.
Yet almost half were overlooked in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.
While every Olympic gold medallist received an honour of some kind, 17 of the 35 Paralympic champions got nothing.
Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe told Sky News; “I think it’s improving but there’s still a long way to go. It’s almost that disability sport is somehow not as good as (sport for) people with normal functions.
“It is improving, we are getting better. I think there’s much more opportunity there than ever before but, you know, we start from a very difficult base and we have to improve and increase.”
Organisers have vowed to make the 2012 Games the most inclusive to date and say they are determined to leave behind a lasting legacy.
The newly appointed Director of Paralympic Integration, Chris Holmes said:
“My role is to ensure we continue our detailed work for a first class delivery of the Paralympic Games in 2012. “My priorities are to educate our audiences so they understand and enjoy Paralympic sport.”The nine-time gold medallist added: “The Games offer a truly unique opportunity for our country – a chance to change Britain for the better.”
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