The Paralympic Games are no one’s idea of an “after show”. Some 65,000 spectators are set to descend on Paris this evening to watch athletes from more than 180,000 nations head along the Champs-Élysées to Place de la Concorde before the competitions commence tomorrow.
Paralympics GB, which has finished second in the medal table at the past two Games, is raring to go. As in Tokyo three years ago, it is competing in 19 of the 22 sports, with cycling, canoe and rowing all boasting their biggest ever squads. Competitors include 13-year-old swimmer Iona Winnifrith and 54-year-old Para canoe multiple medallist Jeanette Chippington, appearing in her eighth games since making her debut in swimming at Seoul back in 1988.
Paralympic history began in Britain. At Stoke Mandeville hospital, Dr Ludwig Guttmann organised the first competition for wheelchair athletes on 29 July 1948 — the same day as the Opening Ceremony for London 1948.
Fast forward to 2024 and the mass market appeal of the Paralympics is beyond doubt. Let the Games begin.
Seize your chance, Keir
As the Prime Minister heads to meetings in Berlin and Paris for talks with his European counterparts, the vibes are good. The European Political Community summit, held in Britain days after Sir Keir Starmer entered Number 10, was a great success. Warm smiles, enthusiastic handshakes, bonhomie all around. But where’s the (post-Brexit border checked and certified) beef?
Throughout the election campaign, Labour was at pains to reassure voters in marginal constituencies that it had no intention of taking the UK back into the single market or customs union, let alone the EU itself. Freedom of movement was the thickest of red lines. Nevertheless, Sir Keir claims to want a “reset” with Europe.
Yet he appears allergic to side deals such as on the Erasmus study programme or a youth mobility scheme, even though they hold popular support in this country. The Prime Minister is right to exercise some caution. There is no public appetite right now for Britain to start the process of rejoining the EU. But that is no excuse for timidity when it comes to practical steps to strengthen ties. This is Sir Keir’s moment of maximum political opportunity — he ought to seize it.
Glass half full?
Never one to be fearful of press coverage, Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has suggested the imposition of alcohol limits in airports to tackle an increase in drunken disorder on flights. His concern for the safety of crew and passengers is not to be questioned. But the more cynical among us may wonder whether he senses an opportunity to sell more booze on the plane itself.
