Anne Buchanan
It was suggested that I write down my experience at the Paralympics to share with those who couldn't, or didn't, attend. “No worries” was my confident (and as I see it now, naive) reply. I have since realised that the big problem is … how do you explain “atmosphere” to someone who wasn't present. I then figured out that when all else fails, the best thing to do it start at the beginning, so …
I attended the Opening Ceremony with some friends, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Most of you probably saw it on TV, so I won't go on about it here, but will try to tell you about some things you didn't see on television.
I went to the Paralympic Games on Sunday 22nd October, and all went well. A fast, efficient transport system got me there easily. I was happy with that, and felt great on arrival.
I wandered around for a while just soaking up the sights and sounds. People from all over the world could be heard talking in many languages, but naturally, the main language I heard was the cheerful Aussie. Many of the people attending the games were dressed for the occasion, with clothes, hats and face paint ranging from quite trendy to over-the-top outrageous, but all supporting the wearer's chosen team. I felt even happier now - I was in amongst the fun.
The first event I went to was men's wheelchair basketball - Mexico vs South Africa. While this was not one of the main matches of the games, it was still great to see. I know we can all watch these things on TV at home, but truly it is just not the same. They move fast on TV; they move even faster in reality. They appear to turn on a spot on the court on TV; they appear to turn on an even smaller spot on the court when you are there to watch. And of course there were the spectators. Most cheered wildly when either team scored a goal and signed loudly when any penalty was awarded. No-one seemed to care much who won. We were all just there to have a good time, and we certainly did that. When I left the basketball, the only thing spoiling my day so far was the fact that the game had ended.
Next stop was that athletics stadium. Here I watched wheelchair races, visually impaired runners, shot put, discus, javelin, and part of the men's pentathlon. This venue proved a little disappointing in just one way - so much to see and only one pair of eyes to see it with! Even though it can be hard work enjoying yourself, I soldiered bravely on and cheered loudly with the rest of crowd - and there were thousands of them. I must say it was a fantastic experience. The day seemed to be getting just better and better, but none of this prepared me for the next event – archery.
I particularly wanted to see the individual and team events in the archery as Tony Marturano was competing in these events. I knew nothing about archery then, and not much more now, but thought it would be good to see someone you know competing. Ruth Wyatt and I went together to cheer Tony on. It seemed no big deal at that point in time. We got there early so had good seats near the firing line. By the time the competition started, all the stands were almost full, and still more spectators were arriving. As each group of competitors entered the arena they were cheered, and then it happened. The crowd went wild. The Australian had entered the arena. The expected cheers of Aussie, Aussie, Aussie could not be heard though, only Tony, Tony, Tony. There was chanting, there was foot stamping, there was screaming, as well as the usual signs (GO TONY of course), streamers, and goodness knows what else. Every shot was accompanied by another wave of noise.
When Tony finished competing there was even more acclaim. Tony was not the last competitor for the afternoon, but very soon after he left the arena, the stands were half empty again and others were leaving, almost as if the competition had finished, and I guess for Tony's fans it had.
I hope Tony enjoyed himself on that Sunday afternoon as much as his fans did. For me it was an experience I shall never forget. I arrived at Olympic Park happy because I had had good transport to get there. I left Archery Park after a mind-blowing experience that I could not even have imagined.
I returned to Archery Park the following week to see the teams event. There were three men in each team and while there is no doubt the Australian team was cheered on as a team, again the name most heard was Tony. The crowd was a little more sedate in their antics at this event, but nonetheless the spectators and atmosphere again provided as unique and overwhelming experience as did the athletes.
The Paralympics provided the experience of a lifetime and I for one am just so glad I did not miss it.
Ed: The Network was very well represented at the archery events, and Tony has asked me to pass on his thanks to everyone who encouraged and supported him over the last few years and to those who were able to go to the Paralympics and cheer him on. He says it was a real buzz to shoot in front of so many avid supporters. Next stop, Athens?
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