I've just got back from a few days in London where my wife and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary with a trip to see some paralympic events.

We were in the Olympic stadium the evening David Weir won the 5k and Oscar Pistorius was "controversially" beaten. We also saw blind discus and double leg amputee javelin. I'm a big athletics man especially field events so really enjoyed it all. I couldn't believe the noise when Aled Davies was awarded his Gold medal. The stadium was so loud!

We also saw the under 75kg powerlifting which was mind blowing, the winner pushed 225kg strict, which any one who has done much bench pressing will know is spectacular.

[Edited on 6/9/12 by liam.mccaffrey]

We went to the Athletics last Saturday, as you say, an amazing exerience and well worth the money.

I've tried watching it but can't really get interested in it. I find it difficult to understand the classification structure across the disability groups, particularly in the swimming events and can't fully understand how a paraplegic can compete alongside a dwarf and runners compete with different shaped/designed prosthetics. This concern has even been borne out in the recent Oscar Pistorius blade row......

I have the utmost respect for all the athletes competing in the 2012 Paralympics and feel they should all get (and deserve) gold medals for their achievements but I just can't seem to muster the same level of interest that I had for the Olympics, for the reasons above

Phil

I'm the other way. Normally I have no time for sport, but I've been watching the Olympics & Paralympics constantly. I think it helps that I went to quite a few events with my daughter and her enthusiasm is infectious.
The classifications are based upon the impact on the ability to do the sport rather than specific impairments, there are also a few sports where you effectively have different classifications competing at the same time, but with a weighted points system to cut down on the number of competitions.

It's simpler than cricket anyway.

Ive watched a bit, and in awe of these individuals, they are incredible

And the blind football, is amazing !

Was up there Monday for a bit of Basketball - had the most superb evening, the crowds and helpers were all fantastic - really makes you feel good about being British

I was in the stadium last night and saw 3 GB Golds on the track, what an amazing atmosphere.

Those guys (and gals) must get a huge buzz from the crowd, it gave me goosbumps!

Fantastic night

(and the organisation was brilliant, getting home on the train was a breeze).

Jonnie, Hannah and Dave provided a great spectacle last night!
Some truely awesome people.

Was also pleased to see Alex Zanardi mullering the opposition in the handcycle time trial - the guy is a legend!
Hoping he can do the same in the relay.

Looking forward to the mens 400m with Oscar and hoping the Wier-wolf does the business in the marathon.

I've really enjoyed the paralympics - having spent 2.5 years working on the site I was a bit fed up of all the corporate hype and behind the scenes crap over the main games and was glad to see the back of the place.

I actually look at it when watching feeling proud that I was a small part of it now, which I didn't during the main games.