London Paralympics 2012

Well, well, well. Just when I thought I'd never see another Olympics,  I was lucky enough to see the Paralympics!

This time was different because instead of going back to Olympic Park, we (my Olympics friend Justin and I) went to the ExCel Centre in London. 

For me personally, because I'd already been to Olympic Park, the ExCel Centre experience wasn't quite as exciting. Once you were inside you stayed inside, unlike Olympic Park where you could walk around outside and explore the area. Still, the day pass for the ExCel was great because it allowed you to see any of the events which were there that day. It was general admission seating so as long as you got to your event early, you could get a good seat.

We were booked into a specific session to see men's sitting volleyball. First we saw Russia vs. Morocco and then Iran vs. Boznia and Herzegovina. 

Morocco (red) vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Russia beat Morocco after only 3 sets (there were 5 sets in all).  One thing I learned is that unlike regular volleyball, in sitting volleyball a player can hit the ball with any part of his body. When I saw someone kick the ball I thought I was seeing things!

Iran vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina was a lively game, due in part to the very enthusiastic Iranians in the crowd! After awhile the Bosnians were making themselves known as well and it got very loud indeed. But Iran won the game.

The moment when Iran won

Iranians in celebration

The game for the gold medal was a few days later, and both teams played each other again. Iran was expected to win but Bosnia and Herzegovina won and beat them to the gold.

Sitting volleyball was fantastic. I must admit that having never seen it before I thought it would look odd. But after they began playing I completely forgot that they were sitting. It just looked like a regular volleyball game to me.

The only criticism I have is that between every volley, when there was a gap in play, loud thumping music was blasted to fill the void. It was totally unnecessary because the gaps were only for a few seconds each time. I suppose it was their way of pumping up the crowd, but we didn't need any help!

After the volleyball we decided to see wheelchair fencing. I'd never seen fencing and had no idea of the rules. Each match was only 3 minutes long and was won after one person scored 15 hits (or "stabs" as I would call them!) in one match, so the matches were quick.

We were able to see some of the medal ceremony which was wonderful!

Yu Chui Yee of Hong Kong receives her gold medal

Flags being raised. Yu Chui Yee is on the screen.

The Paralympians showed that anyone can do anything despite physical limitations. And one thing's for sure: the word "disabled" didn't cross anyone's lips that day.

London Olympics 2012

The London 2012 Olympics may be over, but I'll always have memories because I was there! Sports! Medals! Excitement! Rain...

 

Yellow is my colour. Not!

I got drenched, But I didn't care about the rain. In retrospect, it added to the adventure of the day. It's England, after all, what would the day be without rain? I couldn't help chuckling at the tourists who showed up in shorts and flip flops, thinking it was going to be a warm, sunny day. They've obviously never experienced British weather! Welcome to England!

Despite the weather, it was a spectacular day. It was very, very crowded but there was a real buzz in the air. Everyone was there to support their country -- there were Americans wearing flags like capes, Brazilians with green and yellow hair, and even a man in a head-to-toe Union Jack outfit.  All the volunteers were friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble. They took photos for people and the occasional volunteer raised a hand for a quick High 5 from the crowd.  Smiles and laughter all around!

Smurf Turf

This was the pitch at the Riverbank Arena where I saw 2 hockey games. It's been called Smurf Turf.  I could deal with the blue pitch because it made it easier to see the yellow ball. But the neon pink border against the blue was jarring to my eyes. I mean, look at it!  It was like watching a Smurf with a bad sunburn.  They could've toned it down a little!

 

Many thanks to my friend Justin who had a spare ticket for the games. I'd never seen a field hockey game until then.  Luckily he very patiently explained the rules to me as the games were played. I can't actually remember anything he told me (I was blinded by the pitch. Yeah, that's it!) But that didn't stop me from enjoying the games. We saw China vs. South Korea and then Argentina vs. South Africa.  China and Argentina were the winners. The crowd was very enthusiastic even though their countries weren't playing. Although there were some very jubilent Argentinians in the crowd for the second game. 

When our games were over we spent time exploring the Olympic Park. After seeing it on TV, being there in person was a big thrill!  The Orbit, that funny sculpture that looks like a wacky roller-coaster, was quite impressive up close.  

The various sports venues were situated so that they were easily accessible by foot yet not crammed together.  There was a giant TV screen where we sat and watched other events -- we saw Team GB swimmer Rebecca Adlington win a bronze medal in the 400m freestyle event after storming into 3rd place in the last few seconds. And congrats to the USA who got silver in that event. Being an expat means I get to celebrate the successes of 2 countries!

At least we know that the rain was good for the beautiful wildflower meadows around the park. I love how they added a touch of the English countryside.  

All in all there was real excitement in the air, and I'm sorry that the day flew by so quickly. It was a day I'll never forget, and it was worth every raindrop!