LONDON 2012 – THE LEGACY

A celebration of disability sport and activity

Saturday 25th May

One of the reasons that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games were awarded to London was the emphasis on the legacy that would be left after the Games were concluded.  In Bedford considerable effort has been made to ensure that the legacy continues.  Over 150 Paralympians from 14 different nations spent the weeks before the Games training and acclimatising in the Town at what transpired was a very successful training camp.  Many of the athletes visiting Bedford gained medals at the Games and all spoke very highly of the welcome they received during their stay in the Town.

Howard Darbon, who organised the training camp, and a group of Rotary Club members from the area who had volunteered to assist, set up and ran an annual Wheelchair Relay event which in the past 6 years has raised over £30,000, all of which has been invested in the promotion and development of disability sport.  This year it has been decided to undertake the organisation of a Celebration of Disability Sport which will showcase opportunities for those with a disability to become involved in sport and physical activity.  The emphasis will not be so much on fundraising, but on the promotion of the opportunities that exist and helping to break down some of the barriers that many people perceive make it more difficult for disabled people to take that first important step into sport.

Riverside Square will be the venue for the event and everybody is encouraged to come and visit the event which runs from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.  There will be demonstrations, have-a-go activities, challenges, information stands, opportunities to meet Paralympians and entertainment.

It must be stressed that this is not an event just for people with a disability – able-bodied people are promised an entertaining day.  They will be able to appreciate the amazing ability that disabled people possess, applaud the performances on stage and try out a sports wheelchair to appreciate the challenges faced by the disabled.

The Celebration is attracting interest from groups and organisations from far afield.  Its success will doubtless lead to more disabled people playing sport and being engaged in meaningful physical activity.

So, come along on the 25th May to Riverside Square to support the event and have a rewarding and enjoyable day.  We are looking forward to seeing you!