Sports United

Another summer feast of international elite sports begins tomorrow with the Paralympics Opening Ceremony from Tokyo. So that’s two whole weeks of Channel 4 TV coverage to fit into my already busy schedule – that’ll keep me well occupied!

I actually didn’t pay much attention to any Paralympics until London 2012 when, like most of the country, I was smitten by sports fever and even got to watch Paralympians for a day, out at the Olympic Park, including cycling and tennis. Since then I have caught as much TV sports as I can, whether Invictus Games or Paralympics. These days I’m even more convinced that sport unites us all, no matter able-bodied or disabled.  Like every able-bodied person, I count myself lucky to have made it thus far. Previous injuries include two broken ankles, a broken leg and a broken wrist, all incurred whilst playing sports. As yet I have suffered no serious or lasting damage and so remain in the 85% of able-bodied population. I’m reminded of this by the ‘WeThe15’ campaign, launched just last week, and very powerful already in its mission to raise awareness of and tackle discrimination against the 15% of the world’s population who have a disability. The campaign has a 10 year programme linked not only to sports events, but also to business, media and the arts. Hopefully it will create a solid and impacting legacy.