I still get goosebumps remembering the excitement over the Paralympics and Olympics in 2012. In the UK, as a nation we were gripped and so proud to be hosting this prestigious event.
As a family, we watched the opening and closing ceremonies together, with the kids falling asleep on the sofa after being allowed to stay up unusually late for such a special occasion.
We enjoyed watching as many of the events as we could. I loved seeing my children so inspired and popping out to the garden to check if they could run as fast, jump as high or throw as far as these incredible Olympic Athletes.
My only regret was that we didn’t manage to get tickets to watch any events live. Therefore, we were very excited when Swansea won the bid to host the IPC European Athletics Championships in 2014.
As Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of the BPA, said when the news was announced:
“This is fantastic news for disability sport in the UK. The London 2012 Paralympic Games demonstrated that the British public have a big appetite for disability sport and this event will provide them with a further excellent opportunity to see elite level disability sport.”
IPC European Athletics Championships 2014
If you have been looking for a world class athletic event to watch, then don’t miss this opportunity to watch the fourth major Paralympic event in the World: It’s coming. Be part of it.
“Swansea, Wales will host the IPC Athletics European Championships, the first time the event has been held in Great Britain. Around 560 athletes from 39 countries are expected to compete in the event which will be staged at Swansea University between 18-23 August 2014.
All competitive and training activity for the championships will be hosted at the Swansea University International Sports Village which is located a short distance to the west of the city centre on the edge of the spectacular Gower Peninsula.
The facilities are modern, of international standard, with appropriate disabled access and are located within 800 metres of the main athlete accommodation. In addition to the athletics facilities the Sports Village also hosts a gymnasium, cafe, tennis and squash centre and the Wales National Swimming Pool.
The University and the City of Swansea will provide a professional and welcoming environment, reflecting the warmth of a nation unlike any other in the world.”
I was pleased to see that ticket prices are set from £3 per session, making this momentous event truly accessible to all (with special concessions for locals and clubs). Taking place during the School Summer Holidays, it is the perfect way to spend a family day which will surely be an inspiration to all.
We can’t wait to go along on Tuesday to support our home talent and welcome the athletes who have travelled to take part.
I can’t wait to see my kids faces, blown away by the talent and dedication of these para- athletes. Representing GB and NI, we have 10 current Paralympic and world champions in a 56-strong team, which is sponsored by Sainsbury’s.
Minister, Edwina Hart stated:
“Following the hugely successful London Paralympic Games, hosting the event will create another major opportunity to further develop the sport of athletics and the promotion of disability sport within Wales and the UK.”
Spirit in Motion
Swansea 2014 Tickets – Terms & Conditions
We have kindly been invited to the IPC Athletics European Championships 2014 as guests of Sainsbury’s. All views and opinions are our own.
