l a n o i e t a m n r m e a t r n g I o 2 r 1 P 0 n 2 o i n t o a d c n Lo Edu London 2012 Paralympic Games Inspiring the world through sport Every four years, the Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games move to a different city. In 2012, it’s London’s turn. The Paralympic Games begin on the 29 August 2012. 4,200 athletes from 170 countries will arrive in London and the UK. They will take part in 20 different Paralympic sports.
In 1944 in a town called Stoke Mandeville, Doctor Ludwig Guttmann had the idea that he could use sport to help his patients recover from serious back injuries. He set up a Wheelchair Basketball competition at the same time as the London 1948 Olympic Games and this is how the Paralympics began. For more about the Olympic Games see the London 2012 International Education Programme ‘An overview of the London 2012 Olympic Games’ resource.
Did you know…? The name ‘Paralympic’ comes from the Greek word ‘para’ meaning ‘alongside’ or ‘next to’.
The vision to change attitudes Paralympic sports and athletes are a very important part of the London 2012 Games. London 2012 wants people from as many countries as possible to enjoy the Games, both athletes and spectators. The Paralympic Games will help us all understand disability better.
Glossary BID – attempt to make sure London was chosen as next Host City for the Olympic and Paralympic Games VISION – idea for the future For more information about the history of the Paralympic Games see London 2012 International Education Programme ‘Heritage of the Paralympic Games in the UK’ resource.
SPECTATOR – a person who watches either at a venue or on a TV
Preparing for the London 2012 Paralympic Games After being chosen to host the London 2012 Paralympic Games on 6 July 2005, there were seven years to get London and the United Kingdom ready. This was a big job so the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) were set up. The ODA had to plan and build the Olympic Park and its venues. LOCOG is in charge of organising the Games. This is a big challenge! – 20 Paralympic sports – 19 competition venues – 170 teams – 4,200 athletes – 503 Victory Ceremonies LOCOG also has to organise the: – Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Paralympic Games – Education programme – London 2012 mascots – London 2012 Festival – the finale to the Cultural Olympiad
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Getting ready for the Games Why do you think London needed so long to get ready? What does a country have to do? Think about transport and how people will get from place to place. Are there any events where you live that need a lot of planning? Find out more information about the Games venues by reading the London 2012 International Education Programme ‘Sports and Venues of the London 2012 Paralympic Games’ resource.
Glossary MASCOT – a person, object or animal that is used by a team or company e.g. a sports club to promote their activity OLYMPIC PARK – this is main area where the Olympic Stadium, Aquatics Centre, Handball Arena, Basketball Arena, Velodrome and the Athletes’ Village have been built OLYMPIAD – Four year period between one Games and the next Games UNITED KINGDOM – the name of the country which includes the nations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales VENUE – a building or location where an event (the sporting competition) will take place
For the first time, the Olympic and Paralympic logo are part of the same family. What do you think the logo represents? Share your ideas with your friends. What do they think? We wanted the logo to be simple, original and exciting. It spells 2012.
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Celebrate the London 2012 Paralympic Games! Not everyone will be in London, but lots of people will watch and celebrate the Games at home, at school and at work, wherever they are in the world. How can you help people enjoy the Games? This is the greatest festival of Paralympic sport in the world. And this is your big chance to help everyone where you live to learn all about it.
Paralympic promotion How many people know about the Paralympic Games? How many people know the name of a Paralympic athlete? How can you help people learn about the Paralympic Games? You could: – Tell them how wonderful the Paralympic Games are – Tell them about the Paralympic Values of inspiration, determination, courage and equality – Talk about Paralympic athletes – Explain about the different Paralympic sports You could use some of these ideas to help you: – Draw and put up posters about the Paralympic Games – Make a newsletter with lots of information in it – Give a talk to your class or the whole school – Make a noticeboard for your posters or newsletters
Glossary LOGO – a picture or design which is used to promote a company, a product or an event PARALYMPIC VALUES – right ways to live your life through the Paralympic Games PROMOTION – giving information on a topic to other people
Can you or your class choose a Paralympic athlete to follow to the London 2012 Games? Choose an athlete who has at least one of the Paralympic Values of courage, determination, inspiration or equality. You can tell people about this athlete to show them what a good thing the Paralympic Games are.
Athletes train very hard to get to the Paralympic Games and win a gold medal. This courage and determination make the Games very exciting. Not only will there be celebrations in the UK in 2012, there will be parties all over the world!
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Key celebration dates include: – 300 days to go to the Paralympic Games: 3 November 2011 – 200 days to go to the Paralympic Games: 11 February 2012 – 100 days to go to the Paralympic Games: 21 May 2012 – International Paralympic Day: 8 September 2011 – London 2012 Paralympic Games: 29 August 2012 – 9 September 2012
Do you like a Paralympic sport? Are you looking forward to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies? How will you watch the Games? Set up fun events that will get other people in your area excited about the Games! You could add these important dates and your plans to your calendar too.
Glossary OPENING CEREMONY – a large event in the Olympic Stadium to celebrate the start of the Games CLOSING CEREMONY – a large event in the Olympic Stadium to celebrate the end of the Games
This document and the official Emblems of the London 2012 Games are © London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Ltd (LOCOG) 2007-2011. All rights reserved. LOC2011/IEP/1812
Party time!