The Paralympics have been a huge success and many of the older pupils have been inspired by the athletes taking part.

We have reflected on the Olympic and Paralympic Values which all athletes follow. As well as the Olympic values of Friendship, Respect and Excellence which we agree with and try to follow ourselves, we were particularly interested in the additional values for the Paralympians of

Courage

Determination

Equality

Inspiration

Some of the classes chose a Paralympic athlete to study in more detail and to see if they followed these values.

We chose Derek Derenalagi who represented Team GB in the discus. We read his biography on the Help4Heroes website and listened to him being interviewed on the radio and TV.

Derek was a soldier who lost both his legs . 

 On 9th July 2007 he was in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. His objective was to clear a heli pad but his armoured jeep reversed over an IED, a bomb. It exploded. Derek lay there with his shattered legs and prayed. He heard people screaming and there was blood everywhere. As he looked up to the sky he prayed, “Jesus, if You want me to help others, please save my life.”

He was rushed to the hospital at Camp Bastian. The doctors announced he was dead because his heart and breathing had stopped but one of the doctors saw a small pulse so they managed to save him. They operated on him and had to amputate both his legs. He was moved to the UK and kept in a coma for two weeks.

When he woke up his wife and doctors were standing there. Derek asked if he could go to the toilet. His wife told him that he had no legs. Derek was shocked because he could still feel the boots on him and his feet felt warm!

Since that day Derek hasn’t let his disability get in the way of anything. With the support of Help4Heroes he became an athlete. He has already broken 2 British records in the javelin and the shot put. He has been to lots of charity events and even played rugby on prosthetic legs. He has been very proud to represent his country in the Paralympics.

Written by Scott, Lewis, Cerys, Julliane, Zuzia, Peter, Calum, Kristen, Katie, Sarah and Neve P6H

The P7’s felt that Derek reflected all the Olympic and Paralympic values.

“Derek shows courage by being brave enough to be a part of the armed forces in Afghanistan. Despite his amputation, Derek was determined to continue and represent Team GB in the Paralympics. Ryan

He is still wanting to play rugby the same and all the other sports. Even though a lot of bad things have happened to him he is always cheerful and filled with spirit. Gurlshan

He is always determined to win at everything. Derek makes me want to win at everything. Robert

He has the guts to show everyone his talent. He makes me feel I should try. Rhaigan

There were more than 2400 athletes in the Paralympics with amazing stories to tell. They were certainly inspirational to the children of Glebelands.