Paralympians Prep to Step into Spotlight
August 27, 2012
Athletes from around the world are gathering in London again this week but this time they are Paralympians.
The 4,200 disabled athletes represent 160 countries, making the event the biggest Paralympic Games ever.
British Paralympians are at their training camp in Bath, in central England, using some of the same facilities used by Britain's Olympic athletes. However, these competitors are visually impaired or have other physical or mental disabilities.
Finding a sport and having the potential to be a champion are particularly important for these athletes. Among them is Georgina Callingham, 21, one of the youngest British Paralympians, who has cerebral palsy.
"Shooting has literally meant everything in my life the last year and a half," she says. "My friends have taken a back step. My social life has taken a back step. Literally, with me, I'm 100 percent focused on my match, and I will be throughout the match and throughout the time."
Outside, the men of Britain's Paralympic football team are practicing. One team member is in the unusual position of having a brother who played on Britain's Olympic football team.
"It's a dream come true," says Martin Sinclair. "I didn't think I'd be here, to be honest. You see over there, they're quite talented guys over there and it's a privilege to be with them. It's quite historic, you don't expect two brothers to be in the Olympics and the Paralympics."
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