Paralympics

Following the spectacular success of the Olympic Games, both in terms of medals and organisation, it is now the turn of the Paralympic athletes to compete against each other.

Although I was unsuccessful in bidding for tickets to the Olympics I was able to get Paralympics tickets and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the athletics in the stadium with my family.

The fact that the Paralympics originated in the UK is a testament to the country’s longstanding tradition of equality of opportunity. At the Olympics we saw some incredible stories of athletes, particularly from poorer countries, who struggled against hardship to even make it to the Games. What is truly awe-inspiring about the Paralympics is that every single competitor has had to overcome personal adversity in order to become a world-class athlete.

Not content with letting London have all the glory, Kent is playing host to the Paralympic Road Cycling events from 5th to 8th September. Cyclists will race round the circuit at Brands Hatch, Sevenoaks, before heading out onto local roads nearby.

Competing in the Games will be nine athletes who live in Kent, I will be cheering them and the rest of Team GB on, and I wish them the very best of luck.