The Paralympics: 'Yes, We Can!'
OCT2012x.QXD_WN.QXD 25/09/2012 10:52 Page 1 Westcombe NEWS Est. 1973 Free to 3800 homes, and in libraries & some shops October 2012 Issue 8 A community newspaper commended by the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies Monthly newspaper of The Westcombe Society: fostering a sense of community The Paralympics: Elegance & flair in Greenwich By WN ‘Yes, we can!’ reporter n September's WN, we may have given It is often pointed out that all of us are the impression that the Olympics were disabled at least three times in our lives – Iall over, and that was that – all over as as babies, when we are totally dependent well as the shouting. on others; when we are ill; and in old age, If so we have to tender apologies to our when infirmities of various kinds come to readers, because as the TV ads indicated, afflict us all. the Olympics were just a warm-up for the Paralympics which ended on September Issues 9th. How far, then, do we still need to go? Just What an extraordinary display of to take the Paralympics as a case-study, courage, talent and determination by these there is general agreement that provision Paralympic athletes, clamouring for recog- for disabled spectators and athletes, on site, nition, not of their disability, but of their were generally extremely good, whether by ability. the installation of lifts, or buggies (which proliferated in some venues); and also by PHOTO: Inspiring special seating arrangements. Neville Grant There are so many moving – inspiring – However, Caroline Owens warned: stories of athletes who refused to allow the “Don't bother to ask about accessibility on Sophie Wells produced an international personal best on her way to her first silver word “can’t” into their lexicon: people the 2012 website as the responses, when medal in the Individual Championship test Grade IV (Dressage).
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