Rose Ayling-Ellis has declared that differently abled people don't get enough recognition on television, insisting she'd like to see it every day and not just at the Paralympics every four years. Talking alongside fellow pundits such as former Paralympic Ellie Simmonds , Rose quizzed: "Why does it happen every four years? Why can't it happen every day? Make it happen!" Addressing representation, the "passionate" Strictly Come Dancing 2021 champ confessed: "I'm going to get all fired up about it." Rose, who is deaf, explained: "The more we see [disabled people] on TV, the more it becomes part of our society and a norm.
People [had been] patronising me [for my deafness] but when they see me on TV as a different character and on Strictly dancing away, there's no more patronising!" Tonight's closing ceremony, held at the Stade de France in Paris, saw Paralympic performers from around the world succeed - but there won't be another official round of games until Los Angeles in 2028. Despite that, Ellie and Rose were both branded "top pundits" as they spread a positive message about British diversity. The music, dancing and speeches weren't stopped for a second by the pouring rain, delivering a symbolic message about the importance of perseverance amid adversity and success against the odds - something the Paralympians provided in spades over the past 11 days.
French singer Santa heroically pushed through despite the cloak she was wearing becoming visibly drenched in the downpour as it trailed behind her, while President Emmanuel Macron was equally unfazed by the dramatic weather conditions. He endured a round of boos, but was defended on social media as fans urged that the focus should be on honouring the occasion. "Look, you have an agenda against Macron, fine but don’t do it on a night where the celebration is about the Para-athletes.
#Paralympics #ClosingCeremony," one exclaimed. The atmosphere also turned political this weekend when an Iranian Paralympic Javelin thrower was disqualified over presenting a disputed flag to the crowd, which some linked with terrorist organisation ISIS. However, overall the celebrations were the central focus, with Brits' hearts swelling with patriotic pride at the results.
Great Britain clinched the number two spot on the Paralympics medal table this year, making them second only to China. "MASSIVE RESPECT to all of them, absolutely inspirational, [and the] very epitome of where there is a will, there is a way..
. We should take a leaf our of their book. #Paralympics2024," one fan praised.
Another took to Twitter to exclaim: "Our UK athletes at the Paralympics 2024 have shown what true grit and heart look like. Your performances were nothing short of inspiring. Proud of every step you took to reach these heights.
#Paralympics2024." A third chimed in: "Super-duper proud of how Paralympics GB have performed over these past 11 days. Super inspiring athletes the lot of them! Only 2 countries got more than 40 gold medals and we one of them!".
