Since construction of the Olympic Park began shortly after London 2012 won their bid for the Games in July 2005, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has built in key features to ensure maximum accessibility for all spectators.

This includes gentle gradients in the land, wider corridors, aisles and entrances to venues for people with mobility scooters and wheelchairs, and tactile surfaces and contrasting colours to help spectators with visual impairments.

There are also more than 250 benches with 3,300 seats across the Olympic Park at a maximum of 50 metres apart.

In addition, the apartments at the Paralympic Village are accessibly designed which means they are easily adaptable to suit individuals' differing needs.

"London is setting new standards to ensure absolutely no-one misses out, whether competitors or spectators," said Baroness Tanni, who competed at five consecutive Paralympic Games from Seoul 1988 to Athens 2004.

"These important features are central to enabling spectators to get around the Olympic Park and venues easily – making it an ideal space for older people and parents with prams, as well as those with mobility impairments."


Since the conclusion of the Olympics on August 12, London 2012 has also been transforming the venues on the Olympic Park for Paralympic competition.

All venues will see the look and signage refreshed, the flags of the nations revised, adjustments to broadcast requirements and changes to field of play, as sports in each venue are slightly different.

"The transition to what will be the largest Paralympic Games ever is a huge operation in a short time period," said London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton.

"We are getting ready to welcome the world's Paralympians, and deliver a truly spectacular Paralympic Games."

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