Greenhouse had the honour of welcoming the Paralympic Flame to London yesterday (Wed 29 Aug).
Two of Greenhouse’s multisports coaches helped run a sports day in Regent’s Park to showcase accessible sporting activities on offer in Camden.
Carly Lovejoy and Gabriel Odia, who both work at Swiss Cottage Specialist Special Educational Needs School, helped with a adapted bike session for visitors before the Paralympic Flame entered the park.
Carly, said: “We really enjoyed the day and it was great to see a number of Greenhouse participants from our school come down and have a go on the bikes and try other sports including disability football and athletics.
“Sport can be inclusive and open to everyone so a day like this, for people young and old and those with disabilities, raises awareness and shows what’s available within our borough.”
Working with specially adapted bikes from West London Ability Bikes, Carlie and Gabriel were able to supervise and pedal a constant stream of visitors including the Mayor of Camden, Cllr Heather Johnson.
Gabriel, added: “Unfortunately regular sporting opportunities aren’t always available to people with disabilities so a day like this really raises awareness of local groups that are making sport fun and accessible to everyone.
“The Olympic Games was a huge success and I believe the Paralympics will inspire many young people and will help break down the barriers around disability in sport.”
The morning ended with the arrival of the Paralympic Flame, first through the penguin enclosure at London Zoo then on through the park heralded by thunderous applause.
Amongst the torchbearers were those with disabilities including spinal chord injurys, blindness and impaired mental health, including many who, previously unemployed, have trained and qualified as gym fitness instructors.
For further information and see videos from the day visit the London 2012 Paralympic website
