Last year, I got to experience what was one of the most amazing summers of my life and a good part of that was down to being able to attend the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. I cannot believe it has been a year already, so obviously I was delighted to be able to secure two tickets to see the London Anniversary Games to watch our Paralympians back in action at the Olympic Stadium.
On arrival, Mattie and I headed over to the British Icons Exhibition in the Spectators Village. It was a chance for everyone attending to see a selection of trophies, medals, footwear, and equipment amongst other things and celebrate the amazing achievements of British Athletics at the Olympics. There was a TV in the corner showing highlights from the Paralympics last year and as we approached, it just happened to be showing the exact moment Aled Davies has won his gold medal, which also happened to be the day we had attended the athletics. The exhibition featured athletes right up to the present day, including a signed top from Jonnie Peacock and an amazing collage of shots, which Mattie had his photo taken in front of, with the biggest smile on his face.
The rest of the village was amazing, yet very busy. There were a selection of entertainers around the village, though I am not sure if they were part of any of the ceremonies from last year. There were also two vehicles from the ceremonies, one of which Usain Bolt had used to make a spectacular entrance on Friday night. There was also an Athletics Agility area, where you could try out a number of sports. As it was a popular area, Mattie just tried out the running and raced two children who had been stood behind us in the queue. Amazingly, he did not have a meltdown when he lost the race, but I think he was just happy to have had a try!
The approach to the stadium, across the bridge, was even more packed than it was the previous summer, but then again it was the only bridge open this time round. Even so, it was great to be back at this stunning stadium. Though it was weird seeing it without all the Olympic/Paralympic signs, even if the anniversary signs were just as good!
We had managed to secure seats in Block 125, which turned out to be amazing seats. The block was directly on the bend at the end of the finish line, near to where the Olympic Flame had been lit barely a year ago. I was definitely impressed as we had gone for the lower end of price scale. The stewards, as always, were fantastic, with one willing to take photos for those who asked.
Before the events began, the pre-show introduced a number of medal winning paralympians onto the track and there was a quick video allowing us to relive the amazing summer the year before. By the time the events were due to start, the stadium was full to the rafters, with so much love and admiration for these amazing athletes. It was as loud and as crazy as it had been the last time I was here.
Being able to watch so many of our British Paralympians compete was truly amazing. Hannah Cockcroft and Richard Whitehead stormed to victory to enormous roars from the crowds. Jonnie Peacock only came third and even apologised for not winning in front of the home crowd but no one cared, because we had been able to see him race in what was a truly great and exciting race. And then David Weir completely dominated his race, taking the lead and extending by a huge distance with two laps to go and to thunderous applause!
So glad I had the chance to attend and hope to attend more events like this in the future. Mattie had a great time, despite wanting to go home before we had even taken our seats. He was cheering so loudly for anyone who was British and was so excited every time we won an event. Definitely want him to attend these events more often as athletes are so inspirational for him, because as I told him, they do not let their disabilities stand in their way of being able to achieve their dreams!
On arrival, Mattie and I headed over to the British Icons Exhibition in the Spectators Village. It was a chance for everyone attending to see a selection of trophies, medals, footwear, and equipment amongst other things and celebrate the amazing achievements of British Athletics at the Olympics. There was a TV in the corner showing highlights from the Paralympics last year and as we approached, it just happened to be showing the exact moment Aled Davies has won his gold medal, which also happened to be the day we had attended the athletics. The exhibition featured athletes right up to the present day, including a signed top from Jonnie Peacock and an amazing collage of shots, which Mattie had his photo taken in front of, with the biggest smile on his face.
The rest of the village was amazing, yet very busy. There were a selection of entertainers around the village, though I am not sure if they were part of any of the ceremonies from last year. There were also two vehicles from the ceremonies, one of which Usain Bolt had used to make a spectacular entrance on Friday night. There was also an Athletics Agility area, where you could try out a number of sports. As it was a popular area, Mattie just tried out the running and raced two children who had been stood behind us in the queue. Amazingly, he did not have a meltdown when he lost the race, but I think he was just happy to have had a try!
The approach to the stadium, across the bridge, was even more packed than it was the previous summer, but then again it was the only bridge open this time round. Even so, it was great to be back at this stunning stadium. Though it was weird seeing it without all the Olympic/Paralympic signs, even if the anniversary signs were just as good!
We had managed to secure seats in Block 125, which turned out to be amazing seats. The block was directly on the bend at the end of the finish line, near to where the Olympic Flame had been lit barely a year ago. I was definitely impressed as we had gone for the lower end of price scale. The stewards, as always, were fantastic, with one willing to take photos for those who asked.
Before the events began, the pre-show introduced a number of medal winning paralympians onto the track and there was a quick video allowing us to relive the amazing summer the year before. By the time the events were due to start, the stadium was full to the rafters, with so much love and admiration for these amazing athletes. It was as loud and as crazy as it had been the last time I was here.
Being able to watch so many of our British Paralympians compete was truly amazing. Hannah Cockcroft and Richard Whitehead stormed to victory to enormous roars from the crowds. Jonnie Peacock only came third and even apologised for not winning in front of the home crowd but no one cared, because we had been able to see him race in what was a truly great and exciting race. And then David Weir completely dominated his race, taking the lead and extending by a huge distance with two laps to go and to thunderous applause!
So glad I had the chance to attend and hope to attend more events like this in the future. Mattie had a great time, despite wanting to go home before we had even taken our seats. He was cheering so loudly for anyone who was British and was so excited every time we won an event. Definitely want him to attend these events more often as athletes are so inspirational for him, because as I told him, they do not let their disabilities stand in their way of being able to achieve their dreams!
No comments:
Post a Comment