National Paralympic Day - August 2014

The end of August saw Rachael and I back at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to attend the National Paralympic Day. I had such an amazing time last year with Matthew, meeting our amazing British Paralympians and enjoying all the activities. This year, the moment tickets were available, I made sure to book two tickets to watch the swimming, the first time the event had been held the park since London 2012. Could not complain when the tickets were £5 each and we had amazing seats!

On arrival at the park, we made our way straight to the signing area and were lucky enough to get there just in time to meet our British skiers, who did an amazing job in Sochi at the beginning of the year. I was even lucky enough to wear the gold medal! We ended generally spending our time around that tent making sure we got to meet as many of the Paralympians appearing that day before we headed over to the Aquatic Centre. I was most excited about meeting Jonnie Peacock and Aled Davies, which we were fortunate to be able to do so!

When we finally got to meet Jonnie, the staff working at the tent told him we had been to every signing session just to make sure we did not meet him! I told him that Mattie had meant to come with me but had changed his mind that morning. Then preceded to tell him we were at the Anniversary Games the year before and that Mattie got all upset when he came third in his race. Jonnie apologised just like he did that day, not wanting to let anyone down. I told him that he did a great job that day!

We met Aled Davies just as he was coming to join the signing area, but as we didn't have time to queue up again, we approached him as he arrived. It was absolute honour to be able to meet him and tell him that me and the kids were in the stadium the day he won his gold medal at London 2012! After we met him, we headed over to the aquatic centre in time for our event.

The swimming was Team GB vs Europe. As we were attending the evening session, we saw the second half of the competition. Being back at the Aquatic Centre was amazing, though it did feel much smaller now that the higher additional seats had been removed. At the start of our session, Team GB were well ahead of Europe and it generally continued that way, with Team GB winning on completion of the event! Definitely a great way to reopen the aquatic centre!

Definitely want to attend again next year and hopefully Matthew will want to come!