"Elaine has been a dedicated member of the BPA core staff team for the last 13 years, working through six Paralympic Games. Of greater significance is the fact that Elaine has always supported from home, never once actually attending the Games but providing vital support running the BPA office and answering enquiries, and often being the only person in the office doing that role while everyone else has been overseas. Ahead of what would have been her first experience of working in the city that the Games is taking place in, Elaine has just retired from the BPA so will not get to experience the home Games as a support staff member. We would like Elaine to be the BPA`s torch bearer in recognition of her long service and vital support to ParalympicsGB over many years."