The London 2012 Paralympics starts Thursday (Wednesday local time) with some 4,300 physically disabled athletes from 166 countries and regions taking part in 20 sports. From Japan, 135 athletes will participate in 17 sports. It is hoped that the Paralympics, which will continue through Sept. 9, will give excitement, joy and inspiration to people around the world who watch the games as did the London 2012 Olympics.
This year's Paralympics is historically significant because the origin of the Paralympics is said to go back to a sports event in 1948 in the London suburbs in which World War II veterans competed. The London Paralympics will serve as a chance for athletes, team officials and the audience to appreciate the spirit of the Paralympics. It is hoped that the London event will lead to more efforts to enlarge the participation of people with physical disabilities to take part in and enjoy sports at the grassroots level.
The main staffers of London's organizing committee this time are those who worked for organizing the London Olympics. They have experience in helping and supporting athletes. The management of the London Paralympics will go smoothly.