And so we've finally returned to where I left off - at the back end of the greatest summer spectacle of sport the UK had ever seen. All together now: Para, Para, Paralympics!!!
Personally, the Paralympics delivered more unforgettable memories and experiences than the main games. The Olympics were spectacular, of course, but so too were the corresponding logistic, ticket and transport issues. The Paralympics, on the other hand, were much more straightforward, easygoing, and downright enjoyable. I credit several things:
- The organizers and liaisons seemed nicer/less stressed-out this time around, which made for easy access and good times with the Philippine team
although I see the organizers ignored my advice to go with "Mabuhay" and still resorted to Google Translate
- The Philippine Paralympians were more competitive and successful - breaking records and coming close to medalling in several events - which in turn generated greater media coverage and exposure
I mean...wow.
- This was just a sidelight, but how cool was it that "Friends" timed the "More Fun in the Philippines" London campaign with the games
Gold, Silver, Fun!
- Two words: Day Passes. At the Olympics, you'd be lucky to get a single ticket to a single event. At the Paralympics, the family bounced around the whole day in the village and took in as many sports and sights on offer as we could.
We even got to witness a world record being smashed (above), which would have been the most awesome thing ever, but for . . .
- Wheelchair Rugby, a.k.a., MURDERBALL.
Marauding teams on Mad Max-like modified wheels? Captain America's shield rims? Hits so violent chairs become welded together? Power tools and a vulcanizing station on the team benches? Metal as ****, man.
Paradise indeed. Took me a year's worth of admin to recover.
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