London 2012, who have worked alongside the Royal National Institute for the Blind on the project, have now approached Paralympic broadcast rights holders Channel 4 about having live audio description on television for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Audio description in sport is a commentary that paints the full picture for spectators and it describes the venue, the players, the colours, the crowd, the officials, celebrations and all the action to bring sport alive for blind and partially sighted people.

The move has been welcomed by visually impaired former British Paralympic Association (BPA) chairman Mike Brace (pictured), who was part of the successful London 2012 bid team and help advised organisers on the issue of diversity.

Brace, a former cross-country skier who went blind aged 10 following a firework accident near his home in Hackney, said that providing such extensive live audio commentary at the Games was a big challenge for London 2012 but that it is a breakthrough for the Paralympics.

"I've been to 12 Paralympics and this will be the first time I'll know what's happening at the Ceremonies," he said.

Brace spoke as London 2012 celebrated Diversity Day, which highlighted how organisers had worked to make the Games as diverse and inclusive as possible.


"London is probably the most diverse city in the world and we have always said that we want to reflect this diversity in all our work – whether in our staff, volunteers, businesses we work with or in fact anyone connected to the Games," London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton (pictured left) said.

"We have been working very hard over the last seven years with our stakeholders and partners to ensure that everyone understands the importance of diversity and the value it brings.

"Long after the Games finish we want to leave a lasting legacy of a greater understanding of diversity and inclusion and I strongly believe that the work we've been doing will ensure this happens."

The move was welcomed by Home Office Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone.

"With the eyes of the world on the UK as we host the Olympic Games this summer it's more important than ever that we ensure sport is open and welcoming to participants and spectators alike," Featherstone said.

"I applaud London 2012 for their work to ensure the Games are as diverse and inclusive as possible.

"The message is the London 2012 Games are for everyone to enjoy."

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