Transformation from Olympic to Paralympic Games

After a hugely successful Olympic Games, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, LOCOG, has been involved in a massive transitional operation to make the Paralympic Games equally successful.

The venues were designed with both Games in mind but there have been a number of specific changes to undertake. 

All sites have had their look and signage refreshed, the flags of the nations have been revised and changes to field of play have been necessary, as sports in each venue are slightly different.

In five days the Olympic and Paralympic Village has taken been transformed between 16-21 August from an athlete's village that hosted over 10,000 Olympic athletes to welcome 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 has also arrived for Ottobock’s service provision for athletes, this includes a wheelchair repair centre.

The giant Olympic Rings in cities across the UK and in London have been switched for the Agitos, the symbol for the Paralympic Games. 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. 

There are also two new competition venues for the Paralympic Games:

- Eton Manor – situated in the north of the Olympic Park, features nine courts for the Wheelchair Tennis competition, all designed in a striking blue colour. During the Games, it will also house temporary training pools for Paralympic Swimming events.

- Brands Hatch – the internationally-renowned motor racing circuit near Sevenoaks in Kent will host 7,500 spectators each day over four days of Paralympic Road Cycling competition.

Some venues are now all set to be used for different sports, including:

- ExCeL for Wheelchair Fencing, Boccia, Sitting Volleyball and Powerlifting 

- Copper Box for Goalball 

- Riverbank Arena for 7-a-side football and 5-a-side football 

- North Greenwich Arena for Wheelchair Basketball 

- Royal Artillery Barracks for Shooting and Archery