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I watched the opening ceremony for the Paralympics last night, equally spectacular, equally baffling in parts, but so full of energy and enthusiasm. I never thought I'd see people, in wheelchairs or in harnesses flying on wires across a venue like that. C4 TV coverage looks to be up to par with the recent BBC coverage, apart from the commercial breaks which are a bit annoying at times, and it's good to see they've searched high and low to take on disabled presenters and commentators. The swimming and cycling events so far have had me on the edge of my seat and the results seem to be pointing towards many new records and superhuman performances. One of the objects of all this is to help change the perception of those who are disabled in some way or another. I think it's going to achieve that big time.

On August 9th 2012 Mandrake wrote: please give a cheer for Jade Jones in the Women's Taekwondo

Well, four years on and Jade is getting ready in Rio. Anyone in the vicinity of Flint on Thursday should be aware that there's an almighty big party arranged by her family and friends and, with any luck, it will be noisy. Very, very noisy!!!

Another Gold - fantastic!!!!

@Mandrake, I completely agree about the Paralympics. The more coverage, the better to change the way society views disability. The Olympics tends to bring a tear to my eye just watching the dedication and emoption of the athletes - winning or losing - but, if anything, the Paralympics is even more inspiring when you here the athletes' back stories and what they have overcome to get there in many cases. Fantastic stuff and C4 does a pretty good job.