I am aware that several people are bitterly disappointed at the moment, because they didn’t get the tickets they wanted for the 2012 Olympics. I believe the statistics are something like one out of seventeen people got tickets [please don’t quote me on that]. I totally understand this disappointment. I didn’t bid for tickets because I want everything to be new to me when it gets to the Paralympics. But if I had, I’d be gutted not to get tickets too. However, I do have a few points to raise, which might make you see the positive side to all this.
If you did get tickets, congratulations – you’ll soon be attending one of the greatest events on earth. If not…
The Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime-event for everyone, not just the Athletes, organisers and spectators too. Getting tickets for any Olympics is not just like trying to get tickets for a local concert or football match, its special. A bit like having to qualify as an athlete, its something not to be taken for granted! The fact that Britain is the host country means we got first dibs on the tickets, which is great but, as we know, not everyone was going to get a chance to go.
So many people applying, and, sadly, so many people missing out, can be seen as a fantastic sign and, actually, says a great deal about the nature of Britain. All too often we hear about broken links throughout the country, a lack of community cohesion and just the division of public interests.
Well, you know what? In my eyes, the scramble for Olympic tickets and major frustration when losing out, tells me just one thing. People may not feel like they live in a united society, but when it comes to supporting our country, we possibly live in the most patriotic countries in the world. Indeed, you may not have got tickets, but I guarantee that, wherever you are, you will not be far from the country’s excitement. And I bet you’ll only be about five steps away from a Union Jack. Furthermore, if GB wins a medal, of any colour, I doubt you’ll have to listen too carefully to hear a roar of cheers and celebration! You haven’t missed out; the atmosphere will be just as electric outside the stadiums as it will be inside!
Moreover, what about Paralympic tickets which go on sale on the 9th September 2011?! Many people forget about this. In fact, I know that lots of people turn their noses up at this even being an option, because “its not the same”. Well, all I can say is this: reconsider, it will open your eyes further than you could ever imagine – and I’m not just saying that!
As you know, I’ve been disabled my entire life and have been a part of Paralympic sport for 10 years – even now, I see things, see people racing and achieving things in ways that just amaze me!
Lots of people have come to watch me race over the years, and often they’ve never seen much, if any, disability sport before. Their reactions are priceless. I’m now going to tell you about a couple of examples to prove that people really are awestruck and open their eyes to the wonders of Paralympic sport.
My father works overseas a lot, so has only seen me race twice; once in Swansea and in Beijing at the 2008 Paralympics. The Swansea event wasn’t a very good example as it was a small competition with very few people in attendance. However, the following extract is from my father’s online blog just after watching some of the action in Beijing (no editing):
“The Beijing Paralympic Games is being hosted on a grand scale, the event locations are grand and superb: talk about photogenic. I have been over to the water cube (cube? Whoever named it the cube must have been away sick when they were supposed to be learning about shapes in maths at school. It’s a cuboid) twice. The aquatic centre, to give its proper name, is right next door to the bird’s nest stadium and together they make up a magnificent spectacle at night. Thousands of people throng there too to enjoy the sights and the music driven water fountains.
I have been to watch some swimming events then and they are brilliant. Can you imagine winning a man with no arms winning the backstroke event? It happened. Can you imagine someone who is a wheelchair user winning the 100 metres freestyle event? It happened. These athletes are serious people. Life has cut them a dashing blow from birth or as the result of an accident but that didn’t leave them rotting in bed and wondering what to do. They have taken life at the full and they are doing something positive.
I watched the men’s Boccia final last night: a game akin to crown green and flat green bowling. The two Portuguese gentlemen in the final were clearly severely disabled. There they were though, playing this game to a high standard and giving it there all. I have said it before and I will say it again: those lousy young people in the UK and the rest of the world who mope around with “nothing to do” need to watch these athletes and think again.”
And finally, my partner’s aunty and uncle came to watch me race in Sheffield this April. Now, Graham (Chris’ uncle) is definitely one of the biggest sport enthusiasts I know: if its sporty, he’s there. Yet, he came to this National competition completely without any previous knowledge. He came away feeling humbled, excited, buzzing and full of questions so he could learn more. And, as far as I’m aware, he’d watch Paralympic sport again and again, without question.
Comments
dad
01/06/2011 8:40pm
Dear Fran,
'Scuse me but I saw you win Gold in Eindhoven last year too! Are those spelling mistakes mine?
Love dad xxx
Reply
Fran
01/06/2011 8:46pm
ahhh my sincere apologies! Well the poing still stands.
Yes, the mistakes are yours - sorry ;)
Reply
Peter
22/06/2011 8:06am
Great post.
Regarding the tickets fiasco
Only thing is, once again the rich win out. We still don't know how many 'cheap' tickets and children's tickets were available so we were all gambling in the dark. If you have plenty of money you could apply for loads more and stand a better chance of winning. Now don't feel part of the Olympics and won't bother to watch or get my kids involved. I feel Seb Coe should resign and spare us all from his weasly words - he has let the country's children down, ruined a once in a lifetime opportunity for ordinary folk, and is a disgrace. Apologies for being so negative.
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