This Saturday marks eight years since the 2012 Paralympics Opening Ceremony. As well as being an incredible spectacle watched by millions around the world, it was also particularly poignant given the history of the Games – which are considered to have their roots in Britain after Dr Ludwig Guttman organised the Stoke Mandeville Games for disabled athletes in 1948. Look out for our hoardings in the south of the Park where you can learn more about Guttman’s work and this historic event!

Eight years on from the Games, the Agitos, the Paralympic symbol, stand proudly in the north of the Park acting as a reminder of the important legacy London 2012 left behind. Venues around the Park continue to host disability sporting events, from international competitions – such as the 2019 Para Swimming World Championships – to community-led programmes, and you’ll still spot incredible athletes like Ellie Simmonds making the most of world-class facilities! The Park itself was designed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, and the Park Mobility service, run by our dedicated Park Champions, has helped over 38,000 visitors with mobility or visual impairments enjoy the Park since 2014.

We’re proud that the legacy of the Paralympic Games lives on in some of the great work taking place around the Park too. The Paralympic Opening Ceremony focused on themes of science and discovery, making it fitting that Here East in the north of the Park acts as a hub for innovation and enterprise. It’s here that the East London Inclusive Enterprise Zone, ELIEZ, is based, where Plexal, the Global Disability Hub and Disability Rights UK are collaborating on programmes to support entrepreneurs who are disabled or whose work focuses on disabled people.