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Transformation for the Paralympic Games well underway

After a spectacular Olympic Games, the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has been busy undertaking a huge transitional operation to make the Paralympic Games equally successful.

The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich

Work is well underway on many Olympic venues to transform them for the Paralympics. At The Royal Artillery Barracks, works include refocusing the field-of-play lighting, modifications to the seating layout and enhancements to make it a combined venue for Paralympic Archery and Shooting.

London 2012 venues were designed with both Games in mind but there are a number of changes to be made. For example, all venues are having their 'look' and signage refreshed, the flags of competing nations are being revised, adjustments are being made to broadcast requirements, and changes are being made to the field of play.

In addition to transforming existing venues, there are two new competition venues for the Paralympic Games: Eton Manor, which is located on the Olympic Park and will host the Wheelchair Tennis competition, and Brands Hatch – the internationally-renowned motor racing circuit near Sevenoaks in Kent, which will host the Paralympic Road Cycling.

Paul Deighton, Chief Executive of LOCOG, said: 'The transition to what will be the largest Paralympic Games ever is a huge operation in a short time period. We are getting ready to welcome the world’s Paralympians, and deliver a truly spectacular Paralympic Games.'

Work is also well underway at the Olympic and Paralympic Village. It has taken just 5 days (16-21 August) to transform a Village that hosted over 10,000 Olympic athletes just a few weeks ago to host 4,280 Paralympic athletes, 3,500 team officials, 1,225 Games officials and 22 assistance dogs (there will be 1,800 wheelchair users in total). 14 tonnes of workshop equipment and spare parts have also arrived for Ottobock’s service provision for athletes, which includes a wheelchair repair centre.

The giant Olympic Rings in London and cities across the UK have also started coming down, and the Agitos, the symbol for the Paralympic Games, will start appearing over the next few days. The first set has already been launched in Cardiff. The Paralympic Flag features three 'agitos' (Latin for 'I move') in red, blue and green – the colours most represented in national flags around the world.

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