Backgrounders: Legacy
A Paralympic Legacy
Legacy runs through the heart of London 2012, and we want the Paralympic Games to leave behind a strong legacy for disabled people.
Inclusion – the role of disabled people in London 2012
London 2012 aims to be the most inclusive Games ever, with disabled people involved in every aspect of planning and delivery and unprecedented steps taken to make sure disabled people can enjoy the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Britain’s Paralympic heritage
This year, the Paralympics returns to the country where it first began with more athletes and nations taking part than ever before.
The Paralympic Games
The UK has a proud Paralympic history, staging the first ever elite sporting competition for athletes with impairments at Stoke Mandeville in 1948.
Legacy briefing
In 2005, the London bid team pledged to create an extraordinary legacy for East London and the rest of the UK. Over the last seven years, the government, Games organisers and partners have fulfilled that promise. Read about how London 2012 has created and delivered a lasting legacy for the country.
Venues and infrastructure briefing
Read about the transformation of the Olympic park, from industrial wasteland to thriving new East London postcode.
London 2012 Connections: Russia
When London hands over to Russia for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, strong Olympic relationships will have been made. But this is not the only way in which Russia’s influence on the Games or wider celebrations across the UK will be visible.
Wales key facts
London 2012 has touched every part of the UK by bringing new business, inspiring community and cultural projects, and improving local sporting opportunities. Find out how Wales has benefitted from the Games.
Case study: Ade Adepitan – Channel 4 presenter and wheelchair basketball star
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ade is a former Paralympic basketball player who now works as a Channel 4 presenter, and will be a major part of its presenting team during the London 2012 Paralympics. He believes the media focus on the Games will help transform people’s perceptions of disability: “The first Games I watched and understood were the Los Angeles [...]
Case study: training sports coaches
Newly qualified swimming coach Kelsey Richards is one of thousands across the capital benefiting from London’s Sports Legacy Fund. She gained her coaching qualification in return for volunteering at Redbridge Swimming Club in East London. Kelsey said: “I would not have been able to finance these courses myself. I love the sport and want to be the best coach I [...]