Paralympics 2012 Discussion Thread

richp007

I couldn't see any thread in place already to discuss this, so thought I would start one.

I was one of the people who was won over by the Olympics. More so than I thought possible. In my ignorance too, I also admit to knowing nothing about the amazing feats of our Paralympic athletes. I guarantee that will have changed by the next few weeks.

Loving the opening ceremony, I'm just as pumped now as I was by the end of the Olympics. Can't wait to see the amazing events.

gamingboy

Nice one.

I was interested before. Lost interest after the whole ticket issue. Got back into it and I too am more informed about the Paralympics.

Going to the wheelchair basketball tomorrow morning, I can't wait.

Also going to a few more events. I'm really looking forward to it.

Greg Hook

Just on the train back from the Opening Ceremony now.

Whilst it didn't have the huge spectacle of the Olympics Opening Ceremony, it was a lot more moving (the pre-show film almost made me start blubbing!) and still a fantastic show. Great set pieces and some excellent performers.

The lighting of the torch with the Royal Marine who had lost his legs coming in from the top of the stadium then passing to a blind athlete then on to the first ever gold medal winner was very well done. Understated perhaps, but done right IMO for what the Paralympics is about.

Very pleased to have been there and we had excellent seats right on the lower tier next to the entrance where the performers and athletes come out.

wbabbington

Don't know if you could tell from where you were sitting but the marine wasn't coming in from the top of he stadium. He started off on the top of the observation tower ( the big red thing in the park, I don't know it's name sorry!) and came in over the stadium. Which just looked amazing on the tv.

Glad to hear you enjoyed it, I thought it was great, some nice info from the commentators too about individual athletes and their 'journey' to the games.

Greg Hook

I've heard a few complaints about adverts, obviously didn't see them as I was there, but what was your impression? Were they poorly timed, too often etc?

richp007

Poorly timed and too often. They could have done without them for just once surely.

I said to my mate tho, why couldn't they as an alternative, just put a box in the corner of the screen with the action, so at least even with adverts on we could see what was happening.

gamingboy

Just on my way back from the Wheelchair Basketball at North Greenwich Arena. Really great day out.

Although a few fans spoiled it by making distractions as their opposing team was taking a penalty. I know it happens, but poor form if you ask me. Netherlands using an airhorn at every free throw. France the same to USA.

Not all fans I know. I'm sure GB fans were doing it elsewhere today.

Anyone been to anything today?

hdsport

Fairly sure OFCOM still ban this, Soccer Saturday get away by just having text.  It was always rumoured for ITV's F1 coverage but never got off the ground and as I understood regulatory restrictions were the reason.  

Setanta Ireland (who were broadcasting the ceremony FTA) had text adverts at the bottom of the screen during some of the bits I saw (when flicking over from C4).  Again I don't think this is allowed in the UK.

cabanatuan

These adverts are killing the coverage what the hell?

hdsport

they aren't great but the extra streams are like with the Olympics adverts (and chat) free so I'd go there.

When you consider that the BBC only wanted to show a third of what C4 are  (50hrs vs 150hrs) I think ads are the lesser of two evils.

They do need to sort their timings out though the move back to C4 from More 4 at 7:30 was ridiculous on C4HD (with stayed with the games) just cut to the break with Clare Balding in mid sentence.