Paralympics saw a seismic shift – Holmes

London 2012 director of Paralympic integration Chris Holmes believes this summer has been “groundbreaking” and bodes well for the future.

It has only been five days since the curtain came down on an event that many believe has taken the Paralympic Games to a new level.

Holmes amassed nine gold medals over four Games and played a key role in its organisation this time around.

The former swimmer is proud at the way London 2012 broke boundaries and believes the momentum built can be continued.

“What a phenomenal Games,” he said. “When Jonnie Peacock won gold in the 100 metres, the whole stadium chanted his name.

“That had never happened before at the Paralympic Games. It has been absolutely groundbreaking stuff.

“It has always needed to be more than two weeks of fantastic sport in the summer of 2012, though. It has to build over not just for weeks and months, but decades to come.

“I always wanted the London 2012 Paralympic Games to be a game-changer – a seismic shift in terms of attitudes towards disabled people, opportunities for disabled people.”