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.