What Is the Legacy of the Olympics

London won the bid to host the Paralympics in the summer of 2012, and this essay highlights the legacies now that all the events have finished and the Paralympians have gone home. A legacy can be something that is physically left behind such as, the Olympic Stadium, or something that has influenced society and therefore has made a cultural difference. For example, changing society’s perception of disabled people or inspiring more people to take up sport having watched the Paralympics. Throughout the eleven days of the Paralympics, the perception by the general public was that the games had been given a high media profile as they were held in London. The decision by Channel 4 producers to hire disabled and able bodied hosts and commentators in the studio, as well as at the individual events, helped to promote that some jobs are suitable for disabled and non disabled people.

Once the 2012 Olympic bid was won by London, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) prepared their sustainability legacy which stated "Our ambition is to rejuvenate neglected communities in London, promote healthier and better lifestyles across the UK and beyond, change the way people everywhere perceive disability, and inspire an entire generation to participate in sport," (Lasting Legacy, 2012). Following the closure of the games, a review of these legacy statements will determine if the objectives have been met, and what needs to be done to ensure the legacy is sustainable. The legacy also focuses on “what disabled people can – rather than can’t do” (Scope,2012). Providing disabled people with the same opportunities as able bodied citizens and recognising them as valued members of society, will ensure the legacy continues. More opportunities should be available in all aspects of everyday life, in addition to sport, as changing perception will reduce prejudice and fear. During the Paralympics, disabled people were assisted by the Games Makers and