Local Students Experience London Paralympics

On Friday 7 September it was destination ‘London 2012 Paralympics’ for 31 students and staff from King Edward VI Academy, Spilsby, sponsored by the David Ross Education Trust. Students experienced the Olympic Park first hand and savoured the amazing atmosphere created by spectacular stadia and backdrops.

It was Team GB all the way as the group supported the 7-a-side football team against Argentina. In the blistering heat of the mid morning sun, Team GB were taken to extra time, only to lose 4 – 3.

After a brief lunch break, the group headed to the Basketball Arena to witness the thrilling sport that is nicknamed “Murder Ball” or Wheelchair Rugby to give it its correct title. Here the group cheered on Team GB as they faced the formidable team from Japan. After a closely fought first quarter, the two teams were locked together and Team GB gained a slight advantage with the score at 14 – 13. In the second period of play, Japan came back strong and scored a further 13 points. Team GB could only respond with 4. Japan finished the first half ahead, 18 points to 26.

Team GB were rallied by the 8,458 supporters and the third and fourth quarters were evenly matched. Sadly Japan was too strong on this occasion and became the eventual winners with the score line reading GB 39, Japan 51.

Both staff and students agreed that the trip was a once in a lifetime experience and several fond memories were taken away from the day. Mr Mike Irving, Head of PE, said “We all had a new found respect for disabled athletes. To see them compete was quite inspirational. The games themselves have been an outstanding success and the Games Makers were a pleasure to meet. They fully entered into our High 5 competition as we travelled around from venue to venue. The organisation was on a military scale and it helped us experience one of the great times in our lives. Thank you London 2012”.