As the clock ticks away to the start of the games, the media focus grows. This past week we have seen a full page interview in the Daily Telegraph on Steve Brown and the launch of the C4 paralympic trailer, ‘meet the super humans’. Both have been extraordinary in the interest they have captured for our sport and the interest in those of you who play the game. I am always proud when I read what our athletes say to those who are interviewing them because it speaks volumes for the power of our game which extends beyond sport into a real sense of community. The sense is not confined to the elite game but I experience it with the vast majority of the athletes I meet who play the game. It is a good feeling to be part of a culture of respect, humility, courage and teamwork – add to that the commitment and no compromise approach of our GB squad and the mix is very powerful – indeed it is truly super human. I get the sense that most people who have seen the C4 trailer think it is quite brilliant – an edgy, thoughtful and dramatic introduction to paralympic sport. Last weekend was also notable for two reasons. First it was the Paralympic GB launch weekend where the whole GB Paralympic team came together, got their GB kit, had their team photograph and then enjoyed a stunning celebration dinner sponsored by BT in Billingsgate; second because whilst the team were in London, we used the elite camp in Norfolk to bring together the Development squad under Tez Shaw and Justin Frishberg. The three of us had a Skype catch up on Monday and it was very clear that the weekend was a huge success and that there is much new talent going forward into the Rio 2016 cycle which is great news. More from me later but keep your eyes peeled on C4 as lots more rugby to come yet…
David Pond
