The Paralympic Games is one of sport’s greatest celebrations and, as Tokyo this week gets set to become the first city ever to host them twice, we know British athletes are primed and ready to make their mark.
The Olympics has reminded us all of the power of sport to unite and inspire. The glow of Team GB’s extraordinary success in Tokyo is still very much shining and I have no doubt that our ParalympicsGB delegation will create even more extraordinary moments to engage us as they prepare to realise their own dreams at these Games.
We know that the journey to the start line has not been easy for many of our athletes. While managing their own personal and sporting challenges, like the extended periods of shielding and the lack of competition time because of the pandemic, ParalympicsGB athletes are only too aware of the challenges we have all dealt with over the past 18 months.
Once again, however, they have the platform to demonstrate how challenges can be overcome.The true beauty of the Paralympic Games is that they are not only a sporting celebration for the world to enjoy, but theyare also a celebration of what athletes – and in so many ways what humanity – can achieve in the face of adversity.
ParalympicsGB has a delegation of 227 athletes from 19 sports in Tokyo, including para-badminton and para-taekwondo which appear on the schedule for the very first time. I’m particularly excited about the fact that our team boasts the largest ever percentage of females on the team for a summer Games.
We will not lose sight of the circumstances with the primary focus being to ensure that every athlete selected is able to get to the start line safely and can represent their country on the biggest stage.
We know they will wear the British badge with pride and share that pride with those following the Games. Theywill deliver many extraordinary moments and performances and be a beacon of hope to inspire and connect us after the challenges of the past 18 months.
It remains a sad fact that family, friends, and spectators the world over are unable to join the athletes in Tokyo in person. What we can assure British athletes though is that it will not detract fromus in Britain celebrating their achievements and sharing in their pride.
ParalympicsGB achieved something truly remarkable at the last Games in Rio and we believe the same will be said of Tokyo. New talent will emerge alongside our most successful, every corner of the UK will be represented and the growing diversity of the team will harness the power of sport to make a positive difference to society.
While British athletes concentrate on the next two weeks in Tokyo, the recent news of the Government’s financial commitment to Olympic and Paralympic sport for the three years to Paris, should provide a boost to the athletes about to compete.
With thanks as well to everyone who plays The National Lottery, that type of commitment to British athletes and, crucially, their world-class support teams, is testament to their ability to uplift, reunite and connect us, even after the most difficult of times.