In a summer that has seen the public enthralled by the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games, the Chair of Level Playing Field explains why equal access to sports stadia and arenas is essential in establishing true inclusion for disabled sports fans.
As a nation, we can certainly feel proud of London 2012 on so many levels. We were all captivated by the Opening Ceremony, and with the breath-taking Olympic performances that followed; for me it was difficult not to spend every day in front of the TV. I will never forget the roar as Paralympics GB entered the stadium on the opening night of the Paralympics and the incredible support that has followed at each event. In our wildest dreams could we truly have ever imagined such a joyous public celebration of disabled sports men and women? I recall a pundit describing the night as ‘a coming out party for disabled people’ and for me it certainly had that feel. And the finale with Beverly Knight’s rendition of ‘I am what I am’ – quite brilliant – to witness such a public celebration of difference and diversity with disabled people at centre stage – a true moment in time.
A copy of the full DCMS Blog can also be found at: http://blogs.culture.gov.uk/main/2012/