After a spectacular Olympic Games, the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has been busy undertaking a huge transitional operation to make the Paralympic Games equally successful.
Work has already been completed on many Olympic venues to transform them for the Paralympics ahead of the Opening Ceremony this evening.
London 2012 venues were designed with both Games in mind but there are a number of changes to be made.
For example, all venues are having their ‘look’ and signage refreshed, the flags of competing nations are being revised, adjustments are being made to broadcast requirements, and changes are being made to the field of play.
In addition to transforming existing venues, there are two new competition venues for the Paralympic Games: Eton Manor, which is located on the Olympic Park and will host the Wheelchair Tennis competition, and Brands Hatch – the internationally-renowned motor racing circuit near Sevenoaks in Kent, which will host the Paralympic Road Cycling.
Paul Deighton, chief executive of LOCOG, said: “The transition to what will be the largest Paralympic Games ever is a huge operation in a short time period.
“We are getting ready to welcome the world’s Paralympians, and deliver a truly spectacular Paralympic Games.”
Work is also well underway at the Olympic and Paralympic Village.
It took just five days earlier this month to transform a Village that hosted over 10,000 Olympic athletes just a few weeks ago to host 4,280 Paralympic athletes, 3,500 team officials, 1,225 Games officials and 22 assistance dogs (there will be 1,800 wheelchair users in total).
Some 14 tonnes of workshop equipment and spare parts have also arrived for Ottobock’s service provision for athletes, which includes a wheelchair repair centre.
The giant Olympic Rings in London and cities across the UK have also started coming down, and the Agitos, the symbol for the Paralympic Games, will start appearing.
The Paralympic Flag features three ‘agitos’ (Latin for ‘I move’) in red, blue and green – the colours most represented in national flags around the world.
Opening Ceremony
The eagerly-awaited Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games will take place this evening.
The ceremony starts at 20:30.
Almost a month since the start of Olympic action, the eyes of the world will continue to be on London as the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games takes place in the Olympic Stadium.
Award-winning film director Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot) heads the team behind the ceremony, which has a cast of over 3,000 volunteers, rehabilitating soldiers, children and professionals.
Called “Enlightenment”, the programme celebrates the inclusivity of the Paralympics, including a fly past by “Aerobility” and incredible acrobatic performances on a 35 metre-high rig above the stadium floor.
Source: http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/transformation-completed-ahead-of-paralympic-games-opening-ceremony/
