The London 2012 Paralympic Games got under way last night with a stunning ceremony that combined sport, diversity and the arts with serious messages about what it means to be human.  Mere words cannot express the powerful impression created by an opening that really should be played to every child across the world to show just how being different should not be a barrier.
The Irish team, numbering 49 athletes and led by flag bearer Cathal Miller received a rousing reception from the packed stadium but the arrival of Team GB at the end of the parade really brought the house down.  It was a good innovation to have the parade first, allowing athletes to see the show rather than just wait in a state of high excitement all night.
Locog Chairman Sebastian Coe spoke of sport showing what is possible and of sport refusing to take no for an answer.
Stephen Hawking, echoing the part played by Sir Tim Berners at the Olympic Games Opening delivered perhaps the most appropriate lines when saying “The Paralympic Games is about transforming our perception of the world.”
“We are all different. There is no such thing as a standard or run-of-the-mill human being. But we share the same human spirit. What is important is that we have the ability to create and this creativity can take many forms from physical achievement to theoretical physics.”
“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at.”
“Look up to the stars, not down to your feet to see what it is possible for you to achieve.”
A segment on protest for disability rights to the raucous tones of Ian Drury’s Spasticus Autisticus was a reminder that perceptions still need to change in the way disability is viewed but the next eleven days will show that sport is capable of lifting people’s passion and emotion no matter how fast the race is run or how heavy the weight is carried.
The emphasis switches this morning from the celebration of diversity to the elite sport itself.
Ten Irish athletes are in action including Eimar Breathnach, Ronan Rooney, Rena McCarron and Philip Quinlan in table tennis in table tennis from 11.40am; James Brown and Damien Shaw in tandem cycling at the Velodrome and Enda Smyth in the 1km time trial; Ellen Keane and James Scully in swimming and Eilish Byrne in Equestrian at Greenwich from 0900am.
All the action is broadcast live and free to air on Setanta Sports and Channel 4 with extensive radio coverage from RTE and the BBC.
An indication of just how those perceptions still need changing is that US host broadcaster NBC did not show last night’s ceremony and will limit its entire coverage of the Games to four one hour highlights packages and one 90 minute review at the end of the sports.
A poor reflection of a magnificent celebration and a sporting festival that will move everyone who opens their eyes to see it.
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