This week I signed up to become a Sport Maker and went to my local launch to find out more about the role.
The programme was developed as part of the London 2012 legacy strategy and is funded by Sport England and The Lottery. The aim is to recruit 40,000 Sports Makers across England to take forward the Olympic and Paralympic legacies.
In my opinion this is an excellent initiative and is a way of recognising the volunteering that people are already doing as well as recruiting new volunteers who may be enthused after the Olympics and will be incentivised by being part of a national scheme that rewards hours.
Sport Makers are charged with making sport happen at their local level. This can simply be encouraging a group of friends to take part in a local sporting event to getting involved in volunteering for a local sports club.
My local launch was organised by Hereford and Worcester Sports Partnership who will support the local group of Sport Makers in their efforts to grow grassroots sports. There were a range of people present from sixth form students who want to organise football games with their friends to members of the local bowls club who want to offer bowls classes to young disabled people. We learnt in a light hearted manner how we could contribute to the legacy and given the initial target of volunteering for 10 hours. In return there are a number of rewards depending on the hours we give.
In my opinion this is an excellent initiative and is a way of recognising the volunteering that people are already doing as well as recruiting new volunteers who may be enthused after the Olympics and will be incentivised by being part of a national scheme that rewards hours.
As a sports person I have received lots of support and encouragement from my local community – from local businesses sponsoring me, to people stopping me in the supermarket to give me words of encouragement. In return I feel that it is my responsibility to motivate people to take part in sport and improve access to sport for those people who face barriers to participation.
To that end I have already signed up to marshal and present the prizes at a local multi-terrain running race this weekend and will continue to use my profile in my community to make sport happen locally.
Anyone over the age of 16 can become a Sport Maker so if you were inspired by London 2012 why not become part of the legacy.
Metro Blogs is a place for opinions. These opinions belong to the author and are not necessarily shared by Metro.
AppId is over the quota A record number of spectators attended the London 2012 Olympic Games. Photograph: Dan Chung/The Guardian
What makes a good Olympic Games great?
Four years ago I was speaking to the organisers of the Sydney Games to see what communications lessons we could learn from what, until London 2012, was considered the most successful Games ever.
Sydney had gone down as the ultimate sporting party, and had allowed the world to look at Australia in a new light. I was trying to work out, from a government point of view, what kind of Games we wanted London to be.
There were three lessons I took from Sydney:
First, a successful few weeks of sport is not enough – a Games can be so much more. You hear this time and again from every city that hosts a major sporting event. So from the outset, we were determined to put plans in place that were ambitious enough to match Locog and the government's wildest dreams of success in 2012. That could turn a good Games into a great Games, and make sure that people are not just talking about it for decades to come, but feeling the benefits too.
For communications, one of the main challenges in the first few years was convincing people just how big this would be, and how big an opportunity for the country. By the time we got to "super Saturday" or "thriller Thursday", and the whole country and the media would be united in awe of the Games, it would be too late. The foundations needed to be in place long before.
That's why we were talking tirelessly about legacy right from the start. It was a tough message, with years to go before 2012 Olympics and with the media focus on building the venues and hitting the budget. But it was vital to the government's goals.
And that's why we launched, a year ahead of the Games, a co-ordinated, cross-government campaign – the GREAT campaign – to promote Britain abroad with confidence even in difficult times. Having the confidence to go out to the world and promote what Britain has to offer, during the economic downturn, and through last year's riots, has set us in good stead now we aim to generate £13bn in economic benefits from the combined efforts around London 2012.
And that was the second lesson from Sydney: collective success is the best way of delivering individual triumph for everyone involved. Simplicity of messages and clarity about what you want to say, are crucial.
We brought together staff from every government department across Whitehall to work in one communications directorate. The largest cross government communications operation ever. We had one website, twitter-feed and phone number. One message.
Our priority was simple: remove the barriers to effective collective communication. By creating a culture in which sharing communications was the norm and not the exception, most of the job was done.
This was tough given the scale and complexity of the challenge: 25,000 international and national media over at the Park and thousands more across London; 19 government departments with roles to play delivering the Games; alongside Locog, the GLA and all the sporting bodies. Stakeholders ranged from the Met Office to Health Protection Agency to the utilities, all of which needed to be brought into a co-ordinated structure to maintain consistent messages.
We set up daily director of communication calls with our key partners, Locog, the GLA, the Met and core government departments. We spoke every day throughout the torch and the Games, so we could talk, share, decide and support. By the time of the athlete's parade, more than 125 teleconferences had taken place.
Part of that simplicity for the government was knowing when to speak, and when to be silent. Ahead of the Games, we talked legacy and explained the scale of the challenge ahead. But then it was crucial to provide the space for sport to shine through once the Games started. And how they shone.
The third lesson is, that in terms of communications, it's the two weeks before the Games, when the journalists need copy, but there is no sport, that are the most pressured. We saw it in South Africa in the last world cup when the focus was on crime and security. In Beijing, the focus was on human rights and pollution. In London, our issues were security and transport. We dealt with all of this in communications by putting in place our contingency planning. Our community of communications professionals got us through.
'Don't look back and wish you had done more' was the big warning from Sydney. Could we have done more? Of course there is no limit on what the government still wants to achieve with 2012, but everyone involved in the Games is confident that we have the foundations firmly in place to give London 2012 the lasting legacy that such an incredible Games deserves.
And perhaps the hidden legacy for the government from these Games is that we've got a generation of incredibly talented government communication specialists who have seen the value of this level of collaboration – which can only strengthen the effectiveness of government communications for the future.
Sarah Jones was director of communications at the Government Olympic Executive from 2008, and is deputy director of communications for Government Olympic Communications
This article is published by Guardian Professional. Join the Guardian Public Leaders Network free to receive regular emails on the issues at the top of the professional agenda.
AppId is over the quota Games Inbox: Hitman Absolution, London 2012 extend, and ZombiU | Metro.co.ukvar s_account="andmetroprod,andmetronetwork";var fbAppArticle="apps.facebook.com/metrouk/article";var fbAppGallery="apps.facebook.com/metrouk/gallery";MetroMootools.articleId = '912382';MetroMootools.categories = ['tech/games-inbox'];MetroMootools.channel = 'tech';MetroMootools.subChannel = 'games';MetroMootools.articleUrl = '/tech/games/912382-games-inbox-hitman-absolution-london-2012-extend-and-zombiu';MetroMootools.articleUrlFullCategory = '/tech/games/912382-games-inbox-hitman-absolution-london-2012-extend-and-zombiu';MetroMootools.articleHeadline = 'Games Inbox: Hitman Absolution, London 2012 extend, and ZombiU';MetroMootools.facebookAppId = '176908729004638';Skip to main navigationSkip to main contentSkip to search MetroFacebookTwitterFoursquareHomeNewsSportShowbizTVMusicFilmGamingCompetitionsMore +London 2012WeirdTech & GadgetsLifestyleTravelPicturesVideoFootballOdd BallsFantasy FootballFooty StatsTV ReviewsFilm ReviewsMusic ReviewsRestaurant ReviewsWeatherMoneyContact UsExploreBlogsClose thisSearchCasino|Bingo|Arcade|Fantasy Football |Jobs|Courses|Daily DealsMetroTechGames InboxLog outView your profileWelcomeSign upLog inSearch field By GameCentral - 18th September, 2012 Tweet Games Inbox: Hitman Absolution, London 2012 extend, and ZombiUThe evening Inbox discovers some of the strangest music clips on YouTube, as one reader recommends an indie game shop of the day. To add your own comments to the Inbox email gamecentral@ukmetro.co.uk.Related Tags:LondonGermany Hitman Absolution – actually we think he’s a Canadian cop
Policing limits I don't know if this would make a good Hot Topic, but... I hope there's an option in Hitman Absolution to tranquillise British Police officers and not snuff them. It's just something in a game that makes me feel uneasy. I don't mind running over American police in Grand Theft Auto 'cause they're usually armed to the teeth. Oddly, one friend I've played games with since he was a toddler has no qualms about it and he actually is a copper now, quite a few of his colleagues have pre-ordered as well.
Have any other GCers found something in a game inexplicably disturbing? Not just the usual stuff that's supposed to be scary or disgusting, but something just plain odd. Perksurx (PSN ID) PS: I apologise for being a bad influence on Leigh Dappa.
GC: We’d swear the Piantas (or was it the shell guys?) in Super Mario Sunshine are saying, ‘I want to kill you’.
The Games go on London 2012 is one of my games of the year, there I said it. I don't even own the game but every time I go round my mate's house it's the focal point with everyone having a go. I've set records and returned days later to see them beaten - with stories of various friends staying up to the early hours desperate to set an unbeatable time/jump/throw.
It's not a perfect game but the decision to limit the button mashing to only a few events and instead focus on rhythm and timing is very welcome and well implemented. Each event has the right number of variables so you keep going back to them, one of my problems with older Olympic games was that you could get a perfect score every time once you mastered it, not here though as there always seems room for slight improvement.
It could have been a cash-in and sold just as many copies but it's actually a well-made game. It's a great social game to be played with people in the same room, something that I think is often missing nowadays with all the focus on online multiplayer. It's the only tie-in for a long time that I'm happy to see doing well in the charts. Petch1984
Downloadable extras Well that's my Wii U premium ZombiU bundle pre-ordered and I cannot wait. I'm 33 years old and I still get so excited for the launch of a new Nintendo console. From what's been said, it looks like there's going to be a pretty decent online set up as well. Are there any plans for GameCube games to be released for download on the Nintendo Network GC? ColdRoses (gamertag)
GC: Not that’s been announced, but we’d assume it’s a strong possibility.
No inkling GC, have you any inkling whether you can play Virtual Console games or Wii games that use the Classic Controller set-up directly on the Wii U GamePad? A bit of Nintendo 64 Sin & Punishment or Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom, etc. would be a great way to spend the evening while the wife is watching X Factor, without me having to leave the room to use another TV, thus not 'spending any time with her'. DlSPOSABLE HERO (gamertag)
GC: We only know what was in that Nintendo Direct video, there was no actual European press event. However, we are going to Nintendo HQ in Germany on Thursday so if anyone wants to send us a list of questions we’ll see what we can do.
Catch up on every previous Games Inbox here
The puzzle element I was wondering if I could get some help, my wonderful other half has ran out of iPad games to play after completing Machinarium and Tiny World. Could any of your kind readership recommend anything similar as she loved the puzzle element of these. Thanks ever so much. Haninhoth (gamertag) PS: After reading about Dark Souls forever, I finally took the plunge and I am loving my very slow progress so far.
Dream game RE: Symnrubyne and Catherine-based dreams. I actually had the block puzzles seared into my retinas during the fortnight I was playing. I'd be sat watching TV or talking to Mrs Prime and the puzzles would be playing themselves in front of me like some kind of transparent AR waking nightmare! Needless to say I took it as a sign to power through the game.
I preferred my trippy Mario Kart 64 Rainbow Road dreams to be honest. Much less frustrating. Paul Fox
X marks the spot Well, I know people are going to hate me but I have to say I absolutely hated Final Fantasy VII, I found it tedious when you had to grind like crazy to make your characters survive certain encounters. I found some of the characters annoying and my friends were raving on, oh it was so sad when a certain character died. Or how some people were raving it had great graphics.
The battle graphics were good but the character graphics looked like someone sneezed on the screen, but honestly I played it all the way through but honestly I found myself forcing myself to finish the game but I quite enjoyed Final Fantasy VI, VIIII, and IX. The last one I ever played was X. PatlaborAVX0 (gamertag/Steam ID/PSN ID)
Don’t ask us… I know this letter might be completely irrelevant but I just came across on YouTube a few remixes which uses video games in an interesting way, also its a musical way I've been a ladder used.
This uses Resident Evil to play the theme for Doraemon.
And this uses Resident Evil for the opening theme for Dragon Ball.
Just wished Capcom would go back to the classic Resident Evil games and at least remake 2 and 3 to put in a complete set. Or even a remake of the original Dino Crisis would be awesome, but I doubt it will happen. PatlaborAVX0 (gamertag/PSN ID/Steam ID)
Indie game shop of the day I saw the letter about supporting independent games stores and felt that I had to write in about Game Raiders in Bexleyheath. When my PlayStation 3 conked out, I took it up there and within the hour it was working again. They stock new and a massive back catalogue of used games, have glass cabinets with older consoles such as SNES, Neo Geo, original Game Boy and others. Plus the last time I went they were holding a kid’s birthday party. 30 kids playing a variety of games on the small screen with a range of consoles… such a great little shop. Chris
Inbox also-rans Nintendo smashed it with their Wii U announcement! I am more than excited for this! I have a question though GC? I pre-ordered the ZombiU Premium bundle, but what's not clear is if it comes with Nintendo Land? I assume so as it's just the Premium bundle with ZombiU and the Pro Controller thrown in isn't it? Appreciate your help with this GC. Country Mike
GC: That’s right. It’s ZombiU instead of Nintendo Land, but with the Pro Controller as extra.
I too have seen the new look for RoboCop. Can't say I'll be buying that for a dollar - or any amount of money for that matter. DMR
A couple of quickies for you: do you have a Double Dragon Neon release date on PlayStation Network as I can't seem to find it on there today? Also, Machinarium seems to have quietly slipped on there, it was three-ish years ago it was out on PC, I vaguely remember it being well reviewed. Worth £6.49? Rolph (PSN ID)
GC: We fear Double Dragon is subjected to the now almost obligatory delays on PlayStation Network, it’s currently only down for ‘September’. Machinarium is great, we didn’t realise it was on the PlayStation 3 but if it’s a decent port it’s well worth that price.
Just want to give you the heads-up. Saw Sleeping Dogs on PlayStation 3 for £22.91 in Tesco in-store. The only Tesco store I go to is at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. lonewolf23786 (PSN ID)
This week's Hot Topic With the release date and price for the Wii U now revealed the subject for this week’s Inbox is pretty obvious: will you be buying one and if not why not?
The Wii U is out on November 30 and the Basic model costs around £250 and the Premium around £300. Do you think that’s good value for money, and if not how cheap would the Wii U have to be for you to consider it? If price isn’t an issue what else would Nintendo have to do to convince you?
What do you think of the games that have been announced so far and what do you think of the launch line-up in particular? Are there are any specific franchises or sequels you’re waiting for before you buy the console, and have announcements such as Bayonetta 2 and Black Ops II swayed your opinion?
E-mail your comments to: gamecentral@ukmetro.co.uk
The small print New Inbox updates appear twice daily, every weekday morning and afternoon. Letters are used on merit and may be edited for length.
You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word 4Player viewer features at any time, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.
TweetWhat would you like to say?To add a YouTube video, insert its web address hereSendto Metro and share on:NewestOldestMost PopularLeast Popular 6:18 PM on 9/18/2012 keef25
Rolph, I had never heard of Machinarium until I signed up to PS Plus last week where I got to download it for free. Only a short way into it but it seems to be a well made port (not sure what the pc version is like) with charm and character with a lovely art style.
6:17 PM on 9/18/2012 keef25
Rolph, I had never heard of Machinarium until I signed up to PS Plus last week where I got to download it for free. Only a short way into it but it seems to be a well made port (not sure what the pc version is like) with charm and character with a lovely art style.
6:13 PM on 9/18/2012 Floyd 83
When you're setting up for a race in F-Zero GX, the voiceover guy says "Grandpa's got a full set." I can't for the life of me make out what he's actually meant to be saying. It's about 6 seconds into the clip.
6:08 PM on 9/18/2012 BANGER1987
I hate piggies put more of the government puppets in games I say, so I can do a Raoul Moat on them.
6:05 PM on 9/18/2012 zombiekicker
Disposable hero, get a Tivo box in the bedroom, i send my missus to bed every night about 8, its alovely arrangement
6:04 PM on 9/18/2012 pauldennett
The Robocop armour reminds me of the suit from Crysis, except more featureless and bland looking. There's been a review of the script online though, and apparently Robocop has more than one look in this film....apparently one of them was reminiscent of the iconic original armour but it's dismissed by focus groups in the movie as being "too 80's". If being "too 80's" means looking great and memorable, then I'd rather look too 80's than that generic looking mess that's been shown. You see that new armour and you don't think Robocop, you think generic sci-fi background actor. Lame in the extreme.
6:03 PM on 9/18/2012 Karl S
Bit perplexed as to how I could earn -8 (see this morning's underbox) just for asking what I missed while away. Anyways, an apology (of sorts): last time I was on I was dissing Sony for not advertising the PS Vita. I swear to God up until that point I'd never seen an advert for it. As soon as someone mentioned the current Lego Harry Potter/Batman ad campaign it's never been off my telly. I believe that's what they call synchronicity.
5:59 PM on 9/18/2012 zombiekicker
Petch, the powers that be don't want you in the same room as the people you are playing with, then human interaction could produce seditous ideas, like going to the chipshop, OUTSIDE!!!!
5:52 PM on 9/18/2012 Perksurx
On a less serious note (trousers fall down, sound of Swanee whistle) [prototype] is actually turning out to be quite good. There was a lot of criticism about the lead being pretty obnoxious, but I think the problem is his LACK of character.
Worth a punt for a couple of squids; like a cross between Hulk, Spider-Man, Assassins Creed, GTA, Just Cause and Saints Row.
5:47 PM on 9/18/2012 cosmic250
everyone the kitten in my picture is bon,thats him playing.is leigh dappa still in under box police custody?he was a friend of mine on psn network then he dumped me.
5:29 PM on 9/18/2012 Foetus
PatlaborAVX0 - When did you have to grind on FFVII!??? Unless you where trying to kill ruby and emerald weapon the game required no grinding and could be easily completed from start to finish without it.
5:28 PM on 9/18/2012 BigJohnny GlowSticks
brings a tear to the eye!
5:23 PM on 9/18/2012 Petch1984
Machinarium is on PSN??? That news has pleased me and I already own the game on PC. The hand drawn world and ambient, clanging music is worth the price alone, but then you have great humour and devilish puzzles to boot. Buy it.
5:02 PM on 9/18/2012 Green Gobbo
In response to the e-mail from Perksurx I wanted to spare a thought for the families of the two female police officers who were shot and killed earlier today. Two very brave officers who paid the ultimate price for doing their job. I wish their families all the best in this tragic time.
4:58 PM on 9/18/2012 Dark anima x
Perky, you got the first letter on the inbox. Take a bow.
September 17th, 2012 -- Para-Equestrian at the London 2012 Paralympic Games has continued the clean sport success of the London 2012 Olympic Games with the news that all human and equine samples taken during the Para-Equestrian competitions at Greenwich Park have tested negative for prohibited substances.
Para-Equestrian Dressage, the only equestrian discipline included in the Paralympic Games, has been a regular fixture on the Paralympic event schedule since Atlanta 1996.
In 2006, the FEI became one of the first International Federations to govern and regulate a sport for para-athletes when Para-Equestrian Dressage joined the ranks of the FEI’s seven disciplines. All equine athletes competing in the Paralympic Games are now tested according to the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping Rules.
“All human and equine samples taken during the Paralympic Equestrian events in Greenwich Park have been confirmed negative,” said Ingmar de Vos, FEI Secretary General.
“This is an extremely proud day for the FEI and the international equestrian community - equestrian sport has been clean at both the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Today’s news demonstrates the resounding success of the FEI Clean Sport campaign, which has been fully embraced by the international equestrian community. The International Paralympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency have also gone to great lengths to ensure a clean Games.
“The London 2012 Paralympic Games have been truly astonishing, touching the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world, and key to the success of future Games is this focus on clean sport and fair play.”
Record-breaking Paralympic Games A total of 78 human and 77 equine athletes from 27 nations competed in London’s Greenwich Park.
London welcomed a record-breaking 4,250 athletes who competed in 503 events over 12 days at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, making them the biggest since the first Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960.
Over 120,000 tickets were sold for the six Para-Equestrian Dressage competition days, and with additional tickets sold at the gates of Greenwich Park, the previous ticket sales record of 33,000 at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games was easily surpassed.
In total 2.7 million tickets were sold for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, compared to the previous record of 1.8 million for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
Pictures of this year's Paralympics were shown to a global audience of over a billion people in over 100 countries, thanks to the International Paralympic Committee’s broadcast partnerships in place around the world and its own broadcast system ParalympicSport.TV.
“The London 2012 Paralympic Games were simply the biggest and the best yet for many reasons,” explained International Paralympic Committee President Sir Philip Craven.
“To ensure the cleanest Games possible, there was the most robust testing programme in place at any Olympic and Paralympic Games, and this has proved to be a winning formula.
“We are delighted that the equestrian events at Greenwich Park were clean. Clean sport is fundamental to the future development of all sports, whether they are already in the Paralympic programme or want to one day join us.
“Clean sport at the Paralympic Games is also the best example we can make to youngsters who dream of representing their country in the future.
“The Para-Equestrian athletes who competed in London have inspired warm welcomes on returning home, and the International Paralympic Committee hopes to see them again at Rio 2016, for the first Olympic and Paralympic Games to take place in South America.”
The number of FEI Para-Equestrian Dressage events has increased by 120% between 2008 and 2011, and as the popularity of the sport grows the number of events being held around the world is steadily increasing.
PUBLISHED: 11:09 GMT, 14 September 2012 | UPDATED: 11:09 GMT, 14 September 2012
Paralympics and pints: Jonnie Peacock wins the 100m final T44 - plenty of people watched such glorious sporting moments in pubs, it seems
The Olympics and Paralympics provided a big boost to pub chain JD Wetherspoon as punters came out to eat and drink at pubs screening the Games.
Like-for-like sales in the six weeks to September 9 jumped 8.4 per cent, with total sales up 12.8 per cent.
This compared with 6.1 per cent growth in the 11 weeks to July 8.
But the Watford-based group warned that the level of growth at its 860 mainly town-centre pubs would not continue as taxation and input costs are expected to rise.
But it maintained its forecast of a 'reasonable outcome' for this financial year. Shares in the chain jumped 19.8p (4.3 per cent) to 480p this morning.
Tim Martin, founder and chairman of JD Wetherspoon, reiterated his warning over the difference in VAT between supermarkets and pubs and other rising taxes.
He said: 'The biggest dangers to the pub industry are the VAT disparity between supermarkets and pubs, combined with the continuing imposition of stealth taxes, such as the late-night levy and the increase in fruit and slot machine taxes.'
The update came as Wetherspoon reported a 4.1 per cent drop in pre-tax profits to ?58.9million last year despite increasing revenues by 11.7 per cent.
Viewing pleasure: Millions watched Mo Farah win the 5000m final
Douglas Jack, analyst at brokers Numis Securities, said the share price will be driven higher by the strong recent like-for-like growth but warned margin pressure was likely to resume in normal trading conditions.
The group, which also enjoyed a boost from the Diamond Jubilee and Euro 2012 football tournament, reported bar sales increased by 2.8 per cent and food sales rose 4.8 per cent in the year to July 29.
The company opened 40 pubs in that period, 18 of which were freehold, while three others closed, resulting in a total estate of 860.
The average development cost for a new pub, excluding the cost of freeholds, in the financial year under review, was ?1.4million, compared with ?1.2million a year ago.
The company said it intends to open about 25 pubs in the year ending July 2013.
AppId is over the quota By Tom Degun at Chiswick School in London
September 14 - Supermarket giant Sainsbury's, a Tier One sponsor of the London 2012 Paralympics, has today announced its Games legacy project, which will see it invest £1 million ($1.61 million/€1.25 million) over the next four years to get more disabled children in school involved in sport.
The new inclusive sports initiative titled "Active Kids For All" was announced at Chiswick School in London where a star-studded cast including four-time Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds (pictured top) was in attendance.
The initiative will be an Inclusive PE Training Programme that is designed to ensure teachers within schools have the required skills and confidence to teach and include disabled children in activity, PE lessons and sport.
With about 80 per cent of all disabled children currently attending mainstream schools, the funding from Sainsbury's in these Active Kids For All training courses will ensure that over 500,000 disabled and SEN children will lead healthier and more active lifestyles.
This funding will be matched by Sport England who alongside the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS), Youth Sport Trust (YST) and the British Paralympic Association (BPA), have developed and will deliver the programme in schools and the wider community.
ParalympicsGB secured 120 medals at London 2012, including 34 golds, 43 silver and 43 bronze
The announcement comes after the conclusion of London 2012 on Sunday (September 9) where International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven described the event as the "greatest Paralympic Games ever".
The Games saw ParalympicsGB win more medals than in Beijing in 2008, from more sports, while they finished third on the medal table.
Nevertheless, BPA chief executive Tim Hollingsworth said the future of Paralympic sport in Britain is just as important to the organisation as the London 2012 performance.
"It's not just the pictures of our medallists that are out there now, but how the pictures are used in the next six months, and the next year, to inspire others," he said.
"We are hoping to inspire a generation, not just about disability sport but about what it's possible for people to achieve.
"Our inspirational athletes have sprinkled their stardust on that ambition, and our task is to use that as we move on from the Games in a world of widened perceptions."
Contact the writer of this story at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
A record number of spectators attended the London 2012 Olympic Games. Photograph: Dan Chung/The Guardian
Hitman Absolution – actually we think he’s a Canadian cop 
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Paralympics and pints: Jonnie Peacock wins the 100m final T44 - plenty of people watched such glorious sporting moments in pubs, it seems
Viewing pleasure: Millions watched Mo Farah win the 5000m final 
September 14 - Supermarket giant Sainsbury's, a Tier One sponsor of the London 2012 Paralympics, has today announced its Games legacy project, which will see it invest £1 million ($1.61 million/€1.25 million) over the next four years to get more disabled children in school involved in sport.
ParalympicsGB secured 120 medals at London 2012, including 34 golds, 43 silver and 43 bronze