It has been a great experience to be a volunteer at the Paralympics and I feel very lucky to have been able to have had this opportunity. The volunteers have been the ‘face’ of the organisational side of the Games and the people in green.

I have met a great group of other volunteers who have overwhelmingly had the same attitude of supporting the games and enjoying themselves while doing so!

The official number of volunteers was 45,000! Most of the others are French with a few other nationalities, a Brit, a Finn, a Turk, and me! Many of the French people have come from all over France to take part and the common reason is to be part of the Games. Some were sponsored by their company but many were retired or students or just wanted to Bek involved. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly and interested in being open and learning. It has been a truly heart warming experience ❤️

It really didn’t matter what everyone does in life, everyone just jumped in to get the job at hand done. We had a team organisation session each morning and worked out who was doing what and importantly, what time was lunch.

I have many new contacts now and while I may not see many of them again, it is a lovely thought to know there are like minded people in every corner of the world.

I do feel very privileged to have witnessed the Paralympics up close. The challenges these people have experienced to get to this level is amazing. They are achieving sporting feats that many of us able- bodied can only dream of. I really think that future Olympics need to find a way to include para sports in with the others. Anyone who has seen a game of wheelchair rugby or basketball can’t help but enjoy it!

I have seen many less able bodied people around Paris this fortnight and simply seeing people around normalises what is different.

I have discussed with friends, the need to make the metro more accessible. As Paris moves to being car free or at least limited (a noble aim), it’s important that public transport is accessible to the elderly, parents with young children and those less able to cope with the many stairs. Currently it is not very accessible at all.

We were given some lovely gifts to thank us for being volunteers and at every game in the stadiums we were given a round of applause. Several times members of the public wanted to take a photo with me!

See you in Brisbane?!