The Paralympic Games in London 2012 will see the beginning of the end of a long journey of exclusion of athletes with learning difficulties following the disqualification of the Spanish basketball team in Sydney.
Last week LOCOG hosted a vibrant and exciting round table of people with learning difficulties – brought together by the Valuing People Network and MENCAP – to listen to what they had to say about what we can do to get London ready for a Games that could bring together people with learning difficulties from across the world.
Athletes and coaches from across a range of disciplines, including athletics, gymnastics, table tennis, boccia, boxing and football, talked in groups about what excited them as we approach the Games and what people thought might be a problem for people with learning difficulties. This was organised as part of our external inclusion strategy.
Clearly the exclusion of athletes with learning difficulties from the Paralympic Games was in the top position on many people's agenda.
Neil Collins from Rainham in Essex, the Great Britain middle-distance and cross country runner, told me about the importance for him of this decision. Clearly many people, including Neil and his mother, who supports his hard training regime, are disappointed that their sporting careers have been damaged and potential international medals lost.
Everybody was positive and hopeful about the future, excited about being part of the Games in paid and volunteer roles and looking forward to cheering athletes with learning difficulties and showing the world what they can do on home soil.
As we listened to the group’s hopes and fears, ideas and suggestions and answered some difficult questions, our meeting room at the LOCOG offices turned into a gallery as people's words in real-time were turned into a stunning montage and graphic record of the day by artist Pen Mendonca.
Terry Miller, our disability champion, told the group that listening to what people are saying and acting on it together when we can is how we will make our Games truly a Games for everybody.
The fact is that people's main worries affording and getting tickets, getting around London, coping with crowds, getting good information and feeling safe and secure – are the worries of everybody.
And we all should be excited about welcoming athletes with learning difficulties back into the Paralympic Games. Another reason why London 2012 will be everybody's Games.
