The story of the London 2012 Paralympic Games
London 2012: Sports festival will build on Paralympics momentum
Some of Britain’s top Paralympians will be appearing at a new festival of sport that aims to build on the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and unearth future medal-winners. 31 October 2012
London 2012: Paralympic Village death of Nepali disabled activist sparks probes
Activists in Nepal are calling for a full investigation into the death of a disabled member of the Nepal National Paralympic Committee (NPC), whose body was found hanging inside the Paralympic Village. 18 October 2012
Trio tell new minister that coalition is jeopardising London 2012 legacy
The new minister for disabled people has been told by a disabled activist, a disabled peer and a Paralympic torch-bearer that her government is jeopardising the legacy from this summer’s Paralympic Games. 18 October 2012
LOCOG defends lack of disabled talent in closing ceremony
The organisers of London 2012 have been heavily criticised after admitting that only 37 of the 1,100 volunteers who performed in the Paralympic Games closing ceremony were disabled people. 27 September 2012
London 2012 ‘broke promise’ and ‘failed to deliver’ on access
London 2012 organisers broke at least one promise on access provision and “failed to deliver” on others, according to the chair of the independent body set up to examine the “sustainability” of the games. 20 September 2012
Sainsbury’s signs on for four years with ParalympicsGB
The British Paralympic Association (BPA) has announced a new four-year sponsorship deal with Sainsbury’s, just days after the end of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. 19 September 2012
Anger as editor tells Motability-users to ‘hang heads in shame’ after London 2012
The editor of a local newspaper has angered disability hate crime campaigners by telling users of Motability vehicles that they should “hang their heads in shame” in comparison with medal-winning Paralympians. 13 September 2012
COMMENT: The Paralympics closing ceremony: Petrol, flames and a faint whiff of tokenism
There was colour, there was smoke, the smell of petrol wafting towards the media seats, there were many, many flames, and there was a long, crowd-pleasing set from the band Coldplay. 10 September 2012
Entire Paralympic team face extra disability living costs, says Clarke
Every one of Britain’s Paralympic squad faces extra living costs because of their impairment, according to the captain of Britain’s blind football team, the latest Paralympian to speak out on the importance of disability living allowance (DLA). 10 September 2012
Marathon efforts of Weir and Woods bring home final medals
David Weir helped carry the British flag at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics on Sunday, hours after another astonishing performance to win gold in the T54 marathon, a race he described as his “toughest” yet. 9 September 2012
Medal-winner says DLA ‘lets us be the best we can be’
A second medal-winning athlete has spoken of how disability living allowance (DLA) has allowed him and other British Paralympians to “be the best we can be”. 8 September 2012
Golden Paralympian says ‘I couldn’t have done it without DLA’
A British Paralympian has spoken of the crucial contribution disability living allowance (DLA) has made to her independence, and to her gold-medal-winning performance at London 2012. 8 September 2012
COMMENT: The Atos cover-up continues
On Tuesday, I wrote about how myself and my fellow disabled journalist Paul Carter had taken a black marker pen to the prominent Atos logos on our London 2012 media accreditation. 6 September 2012
Deaf star calls LOCOG ‘cowardly and immature’ over access complaints
A leading Deaf performer has called London 2012 “cowardly” and “immature” for ignoring his complaints about the lack of accessibility for Deaf visitors to the Paralympic Games. 6 September 2012
US govt advisor says Paralympics can help on DLA fight and inclusive schools
A senior US government advisor has suggested that the London 2012 Paralympics could help disabled people in their fight against the UK government’s cuts to disability benefits and its opposition to inclusive education. 6 September 2012
‘Devastation’ as keeper’s brilliance denies GB place in semi-final
“Devastated, absolutely devastated,” was how captain David Clarke described how he felt after GB’s five-a-side (blind) football side yesterday failed to secure the two-goal victory they needed to qualify for the semi-finals. 5 September 2012
Deaf star’s anger over latest LOCOG access failure
A leading Deaf dance and film performer has launched an angry attack on the organisers of the Paralympic Games over their failure to provide any facilities for Deaf spectators at a key London 2012 venue. 5 September 2012
COMMENT: Blanking out Atos with a black pen
It was a small gesture of solidarity, nothing more, but I have to admit that it was satisfying. 4 September 2012
Government refuses to say if Miller will present medals
The government has refused to say if the former minister for disabled people will present any medals to Paralympic athletes over the final days of London 2012. 4 September 2012
LOCOG has ‘let disabled people down’ on accessible info
London 2012 organisers have repeatedly refused to provide information for disabled visitors to the Olympic Park in accessible formats, Disability News Service can reveal. 2 September 2012
Activist finds helpline less than helpful
A prominent disabled activist has criticised organisers of the London 2012 Paralympics after telephone helpline staff were unable to tell her if there was an electricity charging point for her powerchair anywhere on the Olympic Park. 2 September 2012
COMMENT: Putting their bodies on the line for precious metal
If it didn’t quite match Team GB’s Super Saturday in terms of precious metal, the third day of competition demonstrated what Britain’s Paralympians will put their bodies through for a chance to win a medal. 2 September 2012
COMMENT: Day two brings sublime sporting skill, and heartbreak
They were two moments of sporting emotion, each of them the result of raw talent, years of dedication to their craft, and a refusal to accept defeat. 1 September 2012
Disabled leader left ‘humiliated’ by opening ceremony treatment
A leading disabled activist was left “humiliated” and “incensed” after she was twice interrupted by London 2012 staff while watching the Paralympic Games opening ceremony to be told her guide dog was a health and safety hazard. 30 August 2012
Only one in 50 opening ceremony volunteers was disabled
London 2012 organisers have admitted that only one in 50 of the volunteers who took part in the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games was a disabled person. 30 August 2012
Colbourne and Storey kick-start GB’s medal machine
Cyclist Mark Colbourne has spoken of the “quite breathtaking” experience of winning Britain’s first medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games in a packed Velodrome. 30 August 2012
Campaigners refuse to target blameless athletes over Atos
Disabled activists who have prepared a national week of protests against the Paralympic sponsor Atos have explained why they chose not to target the London 2012 games themselves. 30 August 2012
COMMENT: Zip wires, Stephen Hawking and flying Paralympians
Any ceremony that begins with Mat Fraser and a microphone is ok with me. “Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, we are making history, as the Paralympics are coming home.” He had the crowd eating out of his hands within seconds. Please let this mean more MF on our TV screens soon. 30 August 2012
Opening ceremony will provide a ‘world stage’ for disability rights
The opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games will provide a “world stage” on which to communicate the importance of disability rights, according to one of its two disabled artistic directors. 29 August 2012
LOCOG boss praises Atos, as protesters pledge to ‘hound and harass’
The chief executive of London 2012 has praised the Paralympic sponsor Atos, less than a day after nearly 100 activists – including a retired Paralympian – launched a week of protests over its involvement in the games. 28 August 2012
Paralympians prepare to feed off crowds as long wait nears end
Not even the unwise words of a team-mate could dampen the enthusiasm of para-cyclist Rik Waddon, as he and other ParalympicsGB stars gave their final press conference before the London 2012 games begin. 28 August 2012
Transport boss is ready for Paralympic challenge
London’s transport boss appears cautiously optimistic that the capital’s public transport network will stand up to carrying tens of thousands of disabled people to and from the London 2012 Paralympics. 28 August 2012
Games could face legal action for ‘failing disabled parents’
The organisers of London 2012 could soon be facing an embarrassing legal action, over their failure to help disabled parents sit with their children to watch Paralympic events. 23 August 2012
Baker hoping to ride into the Greenwich history books
It is 12 years since Natasha Baker first announced to her parents – while watching television coverage of the Sydney Paralympics – that she wanted to be a Paralympian. 23 August 2012
Paralympian will put Atos sponsorship under the spotlight
A gold medal-winning Paralympian is to take part in a protest over the decision to allow the much-criticised company responsible for assessing disabled people’s “fitness for work” to sponsor the London 2012 Paralympics. 23 August 2012
Grimes proves there’s a place for women in ‘murderball’
She is a strong, talented disabled woman competing at the highest level in an overwhelmingly male-dominated sport. When it comes to role models at the London 2012 Paralympics, Kylie Grimes will take some beating. 23 August 2012
Practice makes nearly perfect for Heathrow on busiest day
Months of planning and investment in access improvements appear to have paid off for Heathrow Airport as it welcomed more than 2,000 athletes and officials on its busiest arrivals day for the London 2012 Paralympics. 23 August 2012
Half of torch relay participants will not be disabled people, says LOCOG
Only about half of those taking part in this month’s Paralympic torch relay will be disabled people, organisers have confirmed. 16 August 2012
Royal Mail thinks again on Paralympic stamps
Royal Mail has agreed to produce individual stamps to mark every gold medal won by British athletes during the London 2012 Paralympics, following pressure from leading Paralympians and campaigners. 16 August 2012
Paralympian praises ‘amazing’ Olympic access
A leading Paralympian has praised the “amazing” access and inclusivity of the Olympic Park and other London 2012 venues, after sampling events as a spectator just weeks before he is due to compete in the Paralympics. 14 August 2012
Sporting passions will provide Paralympic ‘showcase’
Two veteran Paralympians – with contrasting personalities – have spoken of their passion for their sports as they prepare to compete at London 2012. 14 August 2012
Paralympic trio hope for overdue recognition
Three British Paralympians have spoken of their hopes that London 2012 will lead to a greater recognition of their talents, skills and fitness. 14 August 2012
Mystery over web ticket restrictions
London 2012 organisers have failed to explain why wheelchair-users can no longer book tickets for this month’s Paralympics through the official website. 9 August 2012
Paralympians call for rethink on gold medal stamps
Two British Paralympians have called on Royal Mail to reconsider its decision to issue just six stamps to celebrate home gold medals at London 2012. 9 August 2012
Festival cancelled after venue plunges into administration
A major international disability arts and human rights festival set to take place during the London 2012 Paralympics has had to be cancelled, after the venue where it was being staged was forced into administration. 9 August 2012
Skelhon drops Mohican to focus on gold
Four years ago, at the Beijing Paralympics, it was Matt Skelhon’s Mohican haircut that drew most of the media attention, despite his gold medal. But this time, at London 2012, he has decided to go “incognito”. 7 August 2012
Barracks will bring back memories as Murray aims for gold
When Kate Murray competes in the Paralympic archery event at London 2012, the venue will revive some happy childhood memories. 7 August 2012
Gilroy hopes Paralympics will bring overdue recognition
A table-tennis star has spoken of her hope that London 2012 will finally bring public recognition of the sporting talents of Britain’s Paralympians. 7 August 2012
Praise for volunteers and venue access
The first week of the London 2012 Olympics has seen praise for the assistance given to disabled sports fans by volunteer staff, reports of superb access at venues, but some early concerns about accessible parking and transport. 2 August 2012
Paralympics protest aims to strike ‘major blow’ against Atos
Disabled activists look set to target next month’s Paralympics in London in protest at the involvement of Atos Healthcare, the much-criticised company which carries out “fitness for work” tests on behalf of the government. 2 August 2012
‘Golden’ Nyree welcomes new recruit to Team Kindred
As one half of the “golden couple” of British Paralympics, Nyree Kindred is well used to media attention; but there has been a new addition to the high profile team since the Beijing games in 2008. 1 August 2012
Gabi looks to Ellie for tips on handling teen spotlight
When 14-year-old wheelchair fencer Gabi Down competes at London 2012, she will look for inspiration to the performances of an even younger Paralympian. 1 August 2012
Bombing survivor says Paralympics will be ‘dream come true’
A survivor of the 7/7 bombings says competing in the London 2012 Paralympics and taking part in the opening ceremony will be “an absolute dream come true”. 24 July 2012
New recruit set to be one of GB’s stars of the Paralympics
Nine months ago, Ibrahima Diallo did not even know that he had cerebral palsy (cp). Now he is preparing to play a starring role for the ParalympicsGB seven-a-side football team at London 2012. 24 July 2012
Paralympian warns DLA cuts could ‘jeopardise independence’
Disabled people’s independence could be jeopardised by the government’s planned cuts to disability benefits, according to a leading Paralympian. 19 July 2012
Thousands of disabled volunteers will help to ‘make the games’
Disabled people are set to play a prominent and public part in both the London 2012 Olympics and the Paralympics, after organisers revealed that they would make up five per cent of the huge volunteer workforce. 19 July 2012
Transport access will be key to success of games, says powerlifter
The success of London 2012 will be judged on whether London’s transport system allows disabled people to travel easily to watch the events, according to one of Britain’s top Paralympic powerlifters. 16 July 2012
Disabled people set to be outnumbered on Paralympic torch relay
The opportunity to celebrate disabled people’s diversity has been “stolen” by organisers of the Paralympic torch relay, according to a leading disabled people’s organisation. The UK Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) spoke out after research by Disability News Service (DNS) showed disabled people were set to be heavily out-numbered by non-disabled people on next month’s Paralympic torch relay. 12 July 2012
Paralympians have taught me that ‘disabled’ is not a scary word, says sprinter Clegg
One of Britain’s hottest prospects for Paralympic gold on the athletics track has spoken of her hopes that London 2012 will lead to more opportunities for disabled people outside the sporting arena. Libby Clegg is hoping to repeat her success in the T12 100 metres and 200 metres at last month’s European championships, where she won two golds and posted personal bests in both events. 10 July 2012
Channel 4 picks non-disabled team for Paralympic torch relay
Channel 4 has been criticised for its “absurd” and “very disappointing” decision to choose five non-disabled people – and not a single disabled person – to take part in the London 2012 Paralympic torch relay. The broadcaster, which has the UK television rights for this summer’s Paralympics, was allowed to nominate five people who embody the Paralympic values of “courage, determination, equality and inspiration”. 28 June 2012
Healthy rise in sporting activity could be London 2012 legacy
The proportion of disabled people playing sport regularly has increased by more than a fifth since London won the right to stage the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to new figures. 28 June 2012
Fewer than 100 disabled volunteers to take part in Paralympics ceremony
Organisers of this summer’s Paralympics opening ceremony have faced heavy criticism after admitting that fewer than 100 of the 3,000 adult volunteers set to take part will be disabled people. The volunteers will take roles as dancers, actors, percussionists and all-round performers, joining a professional cast of more than 100. 21 June 2012
Paralympian stresses need for DLA, and praises activists
A member of Britain’s wheelchair tennis squad for this summer’s Paralympics in London has spoken passionately about the importance of disability living allowance (DLA) to her and other disabled people. 20 June 2012
Paralympians speak of dreams of tennis gold
Two of Britain’s medal hopes for this summer’s Paralympics have spoken of their dreams of winning wheelchair tennis gold at London 2012. Gordon Reid and Andy Lapthorne were speaking as ParalympicsGB announced the 10-strong squad who will compete in two months’ time. 20 June 2012
Disabled artists fear ‘lazy’ journalists could disappoint at London 2012
Leading disabled artists and commentators have raised concerns about how journalists will report on the high-profile disability arts and sport set to take place this summer around the London 2012 Paralympics. 20 June 2012
Heathrow wheelchair ordeal raises London 2012 questions
A leading activist has accused airline staff of ignoring the needs of disabled passengers at Heathrow, just weeks before thousands of Paralympic athletes and other disabled visitors will flood through the airport. 14 June 2012
Plans for festival hit by drop in support for disability culture
A major international disability arts and human rights festival set to take place during this summer’s Paralympics could be forced to scale back its plans because of a drop in private and public sector support for disability culture. 31 May 2012
Paralympic sport bosses set to do more on rights
The sports body that represents Britain’s Paralympians has suggested that it is planning to take a more active stance around disability rights issues. The British Paralympic Association’s (BPA’s) new five-year strategic plan, published this week, also reveals that it is considering setting up a new museum dedicated to capturing the glory of the London 2012 Paralympics and the history of the Paralympic movement, which has its roots in Britain. 24 May 2012
Coldplay is latest draw for London 2012
Organisers of the London 2012 Paralympics have put on sale a further one million tickets, as they marked 100 days until the games begin, and announced that the British band Coldplay would perform at its closing ceremony. 24 May 2012
Classification flaws could mean missed swimming opportunity at London 2012
The lack of severely-impaired swimmers in the British team at this summer’s Paralympics could mean a missed chance to highlight sporting opportunities for other people with similar conditions, according to a leading athlete and activist. Helen Dolphin is Britain’s fastest 200 metre freestyle swimmer in the S5 category, but because of flaws in the classification system missed out on qualification for London 2012 at the Paralympic trials. 24 May 2012
Disabled artist ‘in shock’ over treatment by London 2012
A disabled artist who has spent five years training young disabled people to perform in the Paralympics opening ceremony has spoken of the “disgraceful” way he has been treated by organisers of the London 2012 games. Jean-Marie Akkerman founded Cirque Nova five years ago, with the aim of teaching young disabled people circus skills so they could take part in the London 2012 opening ceremonies. 10 May 2012
Paralympic Games opening ceremony: Directors pledge to showcase inclusion
One of the two disabled artistic directors of this summer’s Paralympic Games opening ceremony has spoken of the need to produce an “exquisite” demonstration of the talents of disabled artists and performers. Jenny Sealey, artistic director of the disabled-led theatre company Graeae, was speaking at a media briefing on the opening ceremony, which will be watched by a huge worldwide TV audience on 29 August. 3 May 2012
Paralympic Games opening ceremony: Enlightenment, circus spectacle and a fly-past
The first tantalising details of what promises to be a stunning Paralympic Games opening ceremony have been revealed by its two disabled artistic directors. Jenny Sealey and Bradley Hemmings announced that the theme of the ceremony – to be held in the Olympic Stadium in east London on 29 August – would be “Enlightenment”. 3 May 2012
Paralympian fears Sun damage at London 2012, after ‘appalling’ headline
One of Britain’s leading Paralympians has led fierce criticism of the Sun newspaper for running front-page headlines that mocked the speech difficulty of the new England football manager, Roy Hodgson. Reaction to the story – and particularly the headline, “Bwing on the Euwos! (We’ll see you in Ukwaine against Fwance)” – drew widespread criticism from disabled activists, footballers and fans, with several pointing out that Hodgson speaks five languages, while the Sun “struggles to write in one”. 3 May 2012
Disabled people sidelined as Sainsbury’s picks Paralympic torchbearers
Concerns have been raised about how members of the public are being chosen to take part in the Paralympic torch relay – a major event in the lead-up to this summer’s London 2012 games. 26 April 2012
Sports bosses must improve on inclusion, says minister
Sports governing bodies must do much more to encourage disabled people to play sport regularly, according to the cabinet minister responsible for the London 2012 Paralympics. Jeremy Hunt, the Conservative secretary of state for culture, Olympics, media and sport, told a conference organised by the government that he wanted to “call time on piecemeal, tokenistic nods to inclusion” by sports organisations. 19 April 2012
Paralympians need a disability rights education, says Tanni
Britain’s best-known Paralympian has suggested that more should be done to “educate” the country’s elite disabled athletes about some of the real-life challenges facing other disabled people. Baroness [Tanni] Grey-Thompson, who has played a leading role in the Lords in the fight to reverse government cuts to disability benefits, said she feared an opportunity was being missed for Paralympians to use their profile at the London 2012 Paralympics to promote a disability rights agenda. 7 March 2012
Channel 4 reveals disabled talent in Paralympics line-up
Channel 4 has announced the disabled presenters and reporters who will be the faces of its coverage of the London 2012 Paralympics. The line-up includes former Paralympians and established broadcasters, as well as new disabled talent selected through a nationwide search. 29 February 2012
New concerns over London 2012’s search for disabled volunteers
A leading user-led arts organisation has raised new concerns over the search for volunteers to take part in the opening and closing ceremonies of the London 2012 Paralympics. Last week, disabled artists and performers warned that many disabled people would be put off by a call from London 2012 for 5,000 volunteers with “huge amounts of energy”. 26 January 2012
London 2012 criticised over opening ceremony volunteer call
The London 2012 organising committee’s appeal for volunteers to take part in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paralympics has been criticised by leading disabled artists and performers. 19 January 2012
New Year Honours: Awards recognise 2012 trio
Three disabled people who could play significant – but contrasting – roles in this year’s London 2012 Paralympics have been recognised in the New Year Honours. 5 January 2012
Protesters set Olympic Park tone for months of Atos protests
Disabled protesters furious at the involvement of two of London 2012’s major sponsors have targeted the first “test event” held to prepare for next year’s Paralympics. 7 December 2011
2012 hotel shortage risks global damage to London’s reputation
An investigation by young disabled campaigners has raised new fears of a shortage of accessible hotel rooms when thousands of disabled visitors descend on London for the 2012 Paralympics. 10 November 2011
Tube access ordeal raises new fears for London 2012
A disabled businessman was pulled off a tube carriage in his wheelchair and told the underground network was “not accessible to wheelchair-users”, just minutes after being helped onto the carriage by station staff. 3 November 2011
Young athletes will mirror Paralympians’ quest for gold in 2012
Some of the UK’s most talented young disabled athletes are to take part in Paralympic-style events in key London 2012 venues, just weeks before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. 13 October 2011
Access concerns over ‘2012 ticketing glitch’
A software glitch may have prevented older people from ordering wheelchair-accessible spaces for next year’s Paralympics, it has been claimed. 6 October 2011
Festival will put disability arts and rights near the centre of London 2012
Disabled people are to hold a major international disability arts festival to run in parallel with the London 2012 Paralympics. 22 September 2011
International Paralympic Day: Athletes set their own targets for London 2012
Some of Britain’s finest disabled athletes – and former Paralympians – have spoken of their hopes for next year’s Paralympics in London, and the changes they hope it could bring in its wake. 8 September 2011
International Paralympic Day: Sir Philip calls for end to use of ‘disabled’
The British head of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has defended his suggestion that the 2012 Paralympics should be used as a stepping-stone towards stopping the use of the words “disabled” and “disability”. 8 September 2011
Unlimited art will have international flavour
International collaborations are again at the heart of the third and final round of disability arts projects commissioned for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. 4 August 2011
Website highlight’s London’s inclusion shame as it prepares for 2012
Angry disabled activists have launched a website to highlight the “shameful” failure to put access and inclusion at the heart of next year’s London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. 28 July 2011
Duo win ‘fantastic opportunity’ to take helm at 2012 opening ceremony
The appointment of two disabled artists to direct next year’s opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics creates a “fantastic opportunity” to showcase disability arts on a world stage, say fellow artists. 30 June 2011
Cram faces anger over Atos 2012 ambassador role
The TV presenter and former Olympic athlete Steve Cram is facing calls from disabled activists to step down as “ambassador” for the company that carries out controversial “fitness for work” tests for the government. 15 June 2011
London 2012 backs down over Olympic ticket discrimination fears
Organisers of the London 2012 Olympics have been forced to rethink their ticketing policies after disabled activists warned they would breach disability discrimination laws. 31 March 2011
BBC wins radio rights to 2012 Paralympics
The BBC has won the UK radio rights to broadcast coverage of the London 2012 Paralympics on its Radio 5 Live news and sports station. 10 February 2011
Thousands volunteer for London 2012
More than 8,000 disabled people have applied to volunteer at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. 6 January 2011
2012 homes legacy given lukewarm welcome
Nearly 250 new wheelchair-accessible flats and houses should be available for disabled people to rent or buy on the Olympic Park after the London 2012 games, the public body responsible for building the athletes’ village has revealed. 5 November 2010
‘Evidence needed’ to prove businesses benefit from better access
The government should produce new evidence that demonstrates the benefits to smaller businesses of becoming more accessible to disabled customers, according to a new report. The report by consultants Atkins was commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Office for Disability Issues, as part of efforts to produce a “legacy” for disabled people from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. 2 September 2010
Disabled volunteers ‘will play key 2012 role’
Recruiting thousands of disabled people to volunteer for the London 2012 Paralympics will play a vital part in the success of the games, according to one of Britain’s greatest Paralympians. 26 August 2010
Channel 4 ‘breaching UN convention’ with ‘freaks’ language
Some of the country’s leading disabled activists have accused Channel 4 of breaching the UN disability convention by referring to disabled people as “freaks” and “beasts”. They are furious that the broadcaster used the term “freak of nature” in trailers publicising a documentary on Paralympic athletes… 26 August 2010
Channel 4 to paint portrait of incredible athletes
A feature-length, prime-time television documentary will paint a remarkable portrait of some of Britain’s top Paralympic athletes. 19 August 2010
Channel 4’s 2012 launch: Paralympics to be ‘biggest event’ in C4 history
Channel 4 says it wants to make its wall-to-wall coverage of the London 2012 Paralympics the “biggest event” in its history. 9 August 2010
Channel 4’s 2012 launch: Nationwide search for disabled talent
Channel 4 has pledged that at least half of the presenters it uses for its blanket coverage of the London 2012 Paralympics will be disabled people. 9 August 2010
Disabled people given extra time to volunteer for 2012
Disabled people who want to volunteer at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be able to start applying later this month – nearly two months earlier than non-disabled people.
Website aims to see Paralympians reunited
The charity that manages Britain’s Paralympics teams has launched a search for hundreds of missing Paralympians. 23 June 2010
Sainsbury’s to sponsor 2012 Paralympics
The organisers of London 2012 have signed up the supermarket giant Sainsbury’s as a headline sponsor of the Paralympics. 6 May 2010
Government sets out plans for a ‘disability legacy’
The government has published a “legacy plan” aimed at bringing about “lasting changes” to the lives of disabled people through the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 18 March 2010
Disability sport to receive £11.5 million boost
Sports chiefs have announced plans to spend more than £3.5 million on disability sport, in the hope of delivering a “lasting grassroots sporting legacy” from the 2012 Paralympic Games. 18 March 2010
Sirens announce disability arts commissions
A musical symphony featuring warning sirens is just one of the highlights of the first 10 disability arts projects to be commissioned for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. 18 March 2010
Channel 4 wins TV rights to 2012 Paralympics
Channel 4 has won the exclusive rights to broadcast the London 2012 Paralympic Games in the UK. The broadcaster will offer more than 150 hours of coverage during the 12 days of the Games – the first time there has been “blanket” coverage of the Paralympics on UK television. 11 January 2010
Sports bodies launch last hunt for athletes with Paralympic X factor
Three major UK sports bodies have launched one final search for disabled potential medal-winners, with just 1,000 days to go until the start of the London 2012 Paralympics. 3 December 2009
Lifting of ban means athletes with learning difficulties will compete at 2012
Athletes with learning difficulties will be able to compete at the London 2012 Paralympics, after a ban was finally lifted by the world governing body. 24 November 2009
London 2012 launches £3 million disability arts programme
The organisers of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games have launched the UK’s largest ever disability arts programme, with £3 million funding to be spread over the next three years. 7 October 2009
London 2012 ‘provides unique chance to improve access in capital’
The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London provide a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to improve access, inclusion and attitudes to disability, a conference has heard. 25 September 2009