The Games have come home

Photo: Getty

London has that special buzz about it again.  This time it is for the Paralympic Games which opened on 29th August with a spectacular opening ceremony in the Olympic stadium.

Crunch Time!  The whole audience bit into an apple at the same time, with reference to
Sir Issac Newton's theory of gravity   Photo: PA

The show entitled Enlightenment, thrilled the packed audience with both disabled and able bodied performers working together to deliver a celebration of the past and vision of the future.  Under the light of a brilliant full moon in the sky, the ethereal voice of Britain's greatest scientist,  Professor Stephen Hawking spoke of the origins of the universe and humanity's wish to understand how everything came to be.  He delivered his message that everyone should 'look up at the stars and not down at your feet, and be curious'.

Professor Stephen Hawing delivers his message.  Photo: Getty

The theme of the umbrella ran through the whole show and a black dome was the source for the Big Bang which evolved into a world map on a giant umbrella. The evening was a journey of discovery of the wonder of science, intended to transform perceptions into a world of people sharing the same human kindred spirit and explore all the possibilities that lie within us.

Photo:  AP

Athletes from 164 countries paraded into the stadium lead by girls in costumes representing the colours of their national flags, carrying on with the umbrella theme which announced the name of each country.

The GB team arrived to a huge roar from the crowd and as tickertape and fireworks exploded, they enjoyed the crowd's ovation with David Bowie's Heroes song played in their honour.

Photo: Getty

Joe Townsend a Royal Marine war veteran, flew into the arena on a zip wire from the top of the Orbit to deliver the flame.  24 year old Joe lost both his legs in a landmine accident in Afghanistan and was chosen for   his inspirational battle against his injuries to become an Ironman triathlete, although he very nearly missed the ceremony after developing a leg infection and needing emergency surgery two days before.

The Cauldron, was lit by Margaret Maughan who won gold in the archery at first 1960 Paralympics and was a former patient of Dr. Ludwig Guttmann at Stoke Mandeville.

Photo:  Getty

The entertainment was stunning and colourful, sometimes confusing and wild, but the success of a show is that different people take away different memories from it.  This one certainly had something for everyone, but most of all an ultimate celebration in understanding.

Dame Tanni Grey -Thompson flies across the stadium, one of many athletes and entertainers
in silver and golden wheelchairs, performing aerial dances.  Photo: Reuters