Parasports fans will again flock to the Queen Elizabeth Park to see a selection of the world’s best athletes compete in the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games.
National Paralympic Day (26 July 2015) is a great opportunity to come along and cheer Paralympic heroes from the 2012 Games as well as spot those aiming to making an impact in Rio in just over a year’s time.
The Olympic stadium and London Aquatics Centre will host the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games and incorporate the IPC Athletics Grand Prix and see the world’s best parasport athletes return to these great venues for the first time in two years.
London 2012 lives long in the memories of both fans and athletes, one of which, Paralympic gold medal winning swimmer, Ollie Hynd, spoke with Able Magazine to express how he thinks it’ll feel to be back.
What is it going to be like to be back at the Aquatics Centre?
It’s going to be very special. Obviously I’ve not competed here since London, so for me, it’s going to be special and I think the memories are just going to come flooding back so I’m looking forward to it.
Why is National Paralympic Day so important?
With London 2012 and the legacy that we were able to build I think it’s important that events like National Paralympic Day keep the momentum going. The public have really supported the Paralympic movement. I think, especially with being a year out from Rio showcases what we’re doing, what we’re about and it also gives the youngsters coming through a chance to see what paths they can go down. Maybe they’ll see a sport that they want to do; fall in love with the sport and take it on. That could be the next generation of Paralympians. I think it’s really important.
Do you think that enough has been done to harness the momentum from 2012?
I think days like National Paralympic Day is what it’s all about and keeping that legacy going. I think because of that we just want to represent the Paralympic movement as best we can.
Given that Rio is just a year away, is it an important marker?
Yeah, I think this year National Paralympic Day has fallen quite well for us swimmers actually – a week after the World Championships, so obviously we’ll be in good condition to be able to race fast so it’ll be a good competition for us to test ourselves.
26 July: Tickets from £10
To buy tickets or call: 08000 556056.
You will also have the chance to try out disability sport for yourself and enjoy The Mayor of London’s Liberty Festival, which showcases the nation’s finest talent in Deaf and disability arts within the park and all for free.
