Paralympic Athlete Highlight

Oscar Pistorius (South Africa)

Sport: Athletics

Oscar Pistorius is probably one of the most instantly recognisable Paralympians today. Often referred to as Blade Runner, he debuted at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens winning Bronze in the T44 (one leg amputated below the knee) 100-metre event. Whilst competing in the preliminary round of the 200 metres event he fell but still managed to qualify for the final where he went on to win Gold in a world record time of 21.97 seconds.

Pistorius fought a highly publicised battle with the governing body the IAAF over his prosthetic limbs and he was eventually cleared to run against able-bodied competitors in 2008.

At the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, he won three Golds and at last year's able-bodied World Championships in Daegu, he reached the semi-finals.

He is hoping to make history by qualifying for the London 2012 Olympics before competing in the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Quote of the Week

"You are not disabled by your disabilities but abled by your abilities."

Oscar Pistorius

Athlete, South Africa

London 2012 Paralympic Games

The London 2012 Paralympics will commence on 29^th August and run through until the 9^th September.

Over 4000 athletes representing more than 150 countries will be vying for medals!

Xavier Gonzalez, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) chief executive, commented to the BBC that he believes the Games will inspire people from around the globe.

"Beijing was a magnificent Games which impacted the lives of almost 100 million people in China. But we really believe that London can bring that impact across the world."  He believes that the London 2012 Paralympics "can probably be what we call the first truly global Paralympics", and added that the event "coming home" to the UK is an important step.

"Since Sydney 2000 there has been a movement across the world and globalisation, we have gone from a few countries really taking Paralympic sport seriously to now a large number," he said.

"The Paralympic ticket sales, one million sold a year out - this is unprecedented and I think there is a special relationship between the British public and the Paralympic movement."

In my opinion it is great to see that people are truly supportive of the London 2012 Paralympic Games and I am looking forward to the dramas unfolding as athletes compete to claim the medals.

Over the coming weeks, I will be commenting regularly on the run up to the Paralympic Games and possible winners to look out....................

Paralympic Flame Torch Relay

As the torch relay for the London 2012 Olympic Games continues, we turn our attention to the journey of the Paralympic Flame for the ParalympicGames 2012.


It has been announced that Paralympic Flame lighting events will take place across the UK’s capital cities and events will be held on consecutive days.


The events will commence on 24^th August in London with the four Paralympic Flames uniting at a ceremony in Stoke Mandeville on 28^th August. Stoke Mandeville is, of course, the birthplace of the Paralympic Games.


From this ceremony, the Paralympic Flame will begin is journey to the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. This relay, involving 580 torchbearers working in teams of five, will culminate in the cauldron being lit within the Olympic Stadium to indicate the start of the Paralympic Games on 29^th August 2012.


At this stage only 332 torchbearers have been announced with 36 communities around the UK staging flame celebrations during the relay journey.


Locog Chairman Seb Coe said of those selected: "Whether they have been together for years or have been brought together around a common story, they have all demonstrated how they are living the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality."

Quote of the Week

“Being disabled should not mean being disqualified from having access to every aspect of life"

Emma Thompson, Actress

The FA are holding England Talent Days across the country this summer to find the next potential England disability star.

The Central London event is due to take place on:

Sunday 3rd June at 12noon –3pm

Paddington Rec Ground, Randolph Ave, W9 1PD

Boys and girls in school years 7 - 11 are eligible for the day.

The day will provide the opportunity to find out more about the FA Disability Squads.

To find out more please contact:

Darren Smith. London FA, Unit 11, Hurlingham Business Park, Sulivan Road, Fulham, SW6 3DU

And the Winner is...........................

So the winner was not me but I did receive a "Commendation" which I was extremely pleased with. There are a lot of people who call themselves entrepreneurs – you only have to watch The Apprentice to see the evidence of that. However, for the Winner, Paul Clark, Penta Consulting, myself and the fellow finalists, we are the real proof of what is truly meant by the term “entrepreneurial spirit” and each and every one of us would have been worthy of this award. I started my company more than ten years ago to increase the inclusion of disabled people within mainstream activities. Since then my company has grown somewhat - from my bedroom at home to our offices based in Cheam and from me wearing many different hats to employing a number of quality staff! Our services have grown and it is still a fact that many businesses do not understand their legal obligations towards accessibility and diversity. My company continues to evolve and as with all businesses, I face daily demands and challenges, particularly in these difficult economic times, but the joy and satisfaction of seeing my company flourish is still as strong today as it was back on my first day. This "commendation" gives recognition to all the hard work, drive and commitment that myself and my team put in to making DP Consulting (Disability Equality Services) Ltd the successful business it is today. Long may it continue......

Sutton Business Awards 2012

Tonight, Thursday 10th May 2012, is the Gala Dinner and Presentation of the Sutton Business Awards 2012, of which I am a finalist. Whilst it would be lovely to hear my name announced, all the finalists are worthy of the win and the competition is therefore high. I am not feeling too nervous but I am sure that as the moment approaches the nerves may start to jiggle! I am sure that whatever the outcome the evening will be an enjoyable one and I will let you all know the result tomorrow...........................

Quote of the Week

Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you're needed by someone.

Martina Navratilova