The application process for the London 2012 Paralympic Games opened this morning, with tickets on sale until 6pm on September 26.
Approximately 2 million tickets will go on sale to the public between now and Games-time, with 1.5 million being available in the first phase. So now the tickets are up for grabs, the challenge is picking which events to watch!
With stars such as Ellie Simmonds and Oscar Pistorius (pictured) hoping to shine, the Games are set to showcase ‘sport like never before’, and with a third of tickets priced at £5, half of tickets priced at £10 or less and three quarters of tickets £20 or less being a part of the action won’t necessarily break the bank either.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG), said: “The Paralympic Games are coming home in 2012 and I’m confident that the whole country will get behind them.
“People will have the chance to see sport like never before, with world class athletes who challenge the notion of ‘disability’; it’s a huge opportunity for Paralympic sport to become part of the nation’s consciousness and finally, it will be a moment of extraordinary pride.”
In total there will be over 300 sessions across the 20 Paralympic sports at 20 venues. Day passes will be available, enabling spectators to see a range of sports taking place in the Olympic Park, ExCeL or The Royal Artillery Barracks on that day on a general admission basis.
This will allow people to see a selection of different sports – from Wheelchair Tennis, Wheelchair Rugby, Goalball, 5-a-side Football, Wheelchair Basketball and 7-a-side Football in the Olympic Park; Judo, Table Tennis, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Fencing, Boccia and Powerlifting at ExCeL and Archery or Shooting at The Royal Artillery Barracks.
Tickets for Athletics, Cycling, Swimming and some finals of other sports will be sold on a reserved seating basis only.
The Paralympic Movement can trace its origins back to the UK, when injured servicemen took part in sporting contests at Stoke Mandeville hospital at the same time as the 1948 Olympic Games in London. Since then the movement has grown and in London next year it is anticipated over 4,200 athletes will take part.
Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, said: “The foundations for what could be the most successful Paralympic Games ever have been laid in London and the demand for tickets so far has been unprecedented.
“Those who buy tickets for London 2012 will see sport like never before, featuring incredible athletes participating in incredible sport. These Games are an opportunity to drive societal change and create a legacy for this country that was first started in 1948 at Stoke Mandeville.”
For more information and to apply for tickets visit www.tickets.london2012.com. Tickets are on sale until 6pm on September 26.
Jessica Whittington, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Image credit: LOCOG
