tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56466001776646280872024-02-19T10:33:39.454+08:00The Journey > The DestinationMy perception of life and the adventures that go along with it.Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-82846253522544465002018-11-21T18:08:00.001+08:002018-11-21T23:39:43.492+08:00Retirement<div style="font-family: SFNSText, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYLl8pu8Y4EMuD0dNHjNKBTXD8VCQI6RS1piroaRofwXzu6gEIhCcPFgOJevJL7lVOeUETjC0iEbCcsEXxcGvwgwRp4V5QvT0rh3Ej8e1x3b2zUGvscP9N4YJqNa6R5pzdc-5HnaU9hA/s1600/IMG_8208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYLl8pu8Y4EMuD0dNHjNKBTXD8VCQI6RS1piroaRofwXzu6gEIhCcPFgOJevJL7lVOeUETjC0iEbCcsEXxcGvwgwRp4V5QvT0rh3Ej8e1x3b2zUGvscP9N4YJqNa6R5pzdc-5HnaU9hA/s320/IMG_8208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here I am at the 2018 WAIS Awards as part of the athlete panel with another recently retired athlete, Olympian Steve Bird.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not sure how long the Q&A felt for those of you who went, but for me up on stage it flew by! If I could kick, I would be kicking myself (sorry, paraplegic joke!) because I missed out on such a great opportunity to express a few things to my fellow female athletes!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is what I should have said when asked about my method of deciding to retire:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Having to consider retirement is inevitable as an athlete because you cannot compete forever. We aren't superheroes. Sometimes we stop being good enough for selection, sometimes we get injured beyond repair, or sometimes we fall out of love with the sport. None of those things happened to me. I was just "up the duff".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rio 2016 would have been my 3rd Paralympics. Sadly my team didn't qualify so my "post-Rio" plans became my "instead of Rio" plans. Then when a certain someone was asked in an interview if anyone on the Gliders would now retire, that person said I would because I was having a baby. Not only is my womb occupancy my business, but don't assume females need to retire from sport to have babies!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So almost a year later when my daughter Chloe was finally born in February 2017 (yep, do the math folks!), I was determined to prove that person wrong and 10 weeks later I played my first game as a mummy athlete in the WNWBL.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIDcMW6DDG6xiEkJ9oaebHDorUHTzMxaBTVb3YChm2rmqCKlqrbpn6ytC9uwtLquOc5j62jYLsHlGAC8nEHea77EdJEozHi3eOPP6SOg1iIm8J0tJ1vbvLf_Jt0cHAPbVG66Zyw9hPpU/s1600/826FACFD-0C15-4A4B-B249-41E6B181D197.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="963" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIDcMW6DDG6xiEkJ9oaebHDorUHTzMxaBTVb3YChm2rmqCKlqrbpn6ytC9uwtLquOc5j62jYLsHlGAC8nEHea77EdJEozHi3eOPP6SOg1iIm8J0tJ1vbvLf_Jt0cHAPbVG66Zyw9hPpU/s320/826FACFD-0C15-4A4B-B249-41E6B181D197.jpeg" width="192" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23RYmm4G6LVpw8EO4dG5HRsvXgIygwTz8366aNrvOcXjfguzdSVqQ5BKsQ5VidEBo49zNBYJN8-OAZ_D38Gx-zlkOxqCjcJIyfvG72UeikJ6R1NPccWcFBIckcrZLIxq8NXLQg8CtAwI/s1600/086F4867-23F8-41F8-8140-99CD5A6DC9E7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="943" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23RYmm4G6LVpw8EO4dG5HRsvXgIygwTz8366aNrvOcXjfguzdSVqQ5BKsQ5VidEBo49zNBYJN8-OAZ_D38Gx-zlkOxqCjcJIyfvG72UeikJ6R1NPccWcFBIckcrZLIxq8NXLQg8CtAwI/s320/086F4867-23F8-41F8-8140-99CD5A6DC9E7.jpeg" width="188" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Female athletes shouldn't have to retire to become mothers. We are strong, kick ass human beings! If I can push a 3.6kg object with a 36.5cm circumference out my hoohaa with no drugs, then I can organise a few extra things in my day to make being a mummy athlete possible. (Side note: the 'no drugs' thing was because I couldn't actually feel my contractions. Para perk!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I managed to keep focused on being an athlete in amongst all the glorious (cuddles!) and not so glorious (poonamis) aspects of being a first time mum. With a FIFO husband away for weeks at a time and no parents living in WA, I relied on a lot of random people to help me with Chloe while I was training. Replacing a few boob feeds with bottles of expressed milk meant I could handball Chloe to anyone wanting a court side cuddle (as long as they did the odd nappy change too).<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Gz8n884WjG6e3lZCGHmDe_o2KwaPMmjpFrS8JkBa_Ll2w2Rwb9iZsVuOV-YnArQWyBxYTlShBpLRCvBX0tdSbCWLM_sl5L6v78NsnAGbL0cpvVRdCJNeYlu0z1pQBn6I64oG7rdzUGM/s1600/348F120C-35F8-4CD0-9148-B99FE6786C68.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Gz8n884WjG6e3lZCGHmDe_o2KwaPMmjpFrS8JkBa_Ll2w2Rwb9iZsVuOV-YnArQWyBxYTlShBpLRCvBX0tdSbCWLM_sl5L6v78NsnAGbL0cpvVRdCJNeYlu0z1pQBn6I64oG7rdzUGM/s320/348F120C-35F8-4CD0-9148-B99FE6786C68.jpeg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
Chloe also travelled interstate and overseas numerous times with the Gliders and Red Dust Heelers, where she was passed around the staff and my teammates (if hubby wasn't there too) so I could continue being the athlete I wanted to be. Being a mum is hard. Being an athlete is hard. But when you have goals to kick, you do whatever you have to do.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-JpvHCJt9Qf4girXRo9kxmAY2viUn5vw8nu8UM2YNue5TwCaZPldvO4NeNGesaKfQVwJ7DRjwzFC-JxLJVuBda2jEB3GNlxQGUO5ULHWHLIp7h2rHanPoq0hO-P9zfkEDDMV-DXgjhc/s1600/0238485F-ECCD-4122-83CF-ACD7DC7A71DA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1008" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-JpvHCJt9Qf4girXRo9kxmAY2viUn5vw8nu8UM2YNue5TwCaZPldvO4NeNGesaKfQVwJ7DRjwzFC-JxLJVuBda2jEB3GNlxQGUO5ULHWHLIp7h2rHanPoq0hO-P9zfkEDDMV-DXgjhc/s320/0238485F-ECCD-4122-83CF-ACD7DC7A71DA.jpeg" width="201" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKTPol9JGlyvtMvXgqjcYIYMIv5u6X8jxvx8VD5EIeNRAktMoCGIu-KwG3E2vFaX9be_cIwmTe_lqBQvHMGQWegiAlO0aacNBVpwfNmSiSSaAOf5pLY4_obLjSNrf9Y-QV3GcRi9zTTw/s1600/71514F6E-B2EB-4DCD-A4EE-C42626D5D894.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1028" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKTPol9JGlyvtMvXgqjcYIYMIv5u6X8jxvx8VD5EIeNRAktMoCGIu-KwG3E2vFaX9be_cIwmTe_lqBQvHMGQWegiAlO0aacNBVpwfNmSiSSaAOf5pLY4_obLjSNrf9Y-QV3GcRi9zTTw/s320/71514F6E-B2EB-4DCD-A4EE-C42626D5D894.jpeg" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
After a year on maternity leave I returned to casual work and shortly after that the WAIS Wheelchair Basketball program was created, which is amazing! I wish it was created 5 years ago!<br />
<br />
So suddenly my world was a mix of super early wake ups, late nights, day care drop offs, training sessions, work, and all things mum like toddler playgroups & swimming lessons, and researching ways to hide veggies in food. I eventually started to feel like I was burning the candle at both ends whilst holding a Zippo lighter in between. But I soldiered on because there was a World Championships to train for!<br />
<br />
I was tired. All. The. Time. Not to mention moody AF! I knew I was still a good mum, but deep inside I wanted to be a great mum. Chloe didn't deserve a melted candle mum. My daughter deserves an Optus Stadium mum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP_aVRIGarbqgiXH7ybhlZz8OQgmlRPblB2Ow_iujQZfamLvnoNSEdy2DDy_J1d7dbgO_Ad0-ZAPbvE3tVHI8F8raovk2NyXNIkV0ywXbJ_WNxgSZR4awYDkLQgrn7E-5F_Y44YxcRJQ/s1600/683CB4B5-3F1F-41D9-8E34-2E53EC432B92.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="972" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP_aVRIGarbqgiXH7ybhlZz8OQgmlRPblB2Ow_iujQZfamLvnoNSEdy2DDy_J1d7dbgO_Ad0-ZAPbvE3tVHI8F8raovk2NyXNIkV0ywXbJ_WNxgSZR4awYDkLQgrn7E-5F_Y44YxcRJQ/s320/683CB4B5-3F1F-41D9-8E34-2E53EC432B92.jpeg" width="194" /></a></div>
<br />
So over several appointments with Jo the WAIS sports psych, we started chatting about possible retirement and how I can make sure I can come to a decision and be 100% happy with it. I created lists of why I wanted to keep playing basketball and why I wanted to retire from elite sport. I still loved playing basketball for Australia and I certainly wasn't that broken yet. There is so much fun to be had and so much honour playing in the yellow and green. I also worried a heck of a lot about how much I would disappoint certain people like my husband, my parents, my coaches, my teammates if I stopped playing.<br />
<br />
However, the other list was almost double in length. It was filled with my love for my family and all the things we could do without having the training commitments and the financial burdens of being an elite athlete (because if you think female athletes don't get paid enough, try being a female AND disabled athlete!). I needed more energy in my day to be the mum I wanted to be for my daughter and that point trumped everything else. And if you can't put in the training, then you shouldn't be on the National squad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYtWUN7AwzAUW5KP3ut7cH6X67HPnEaW9yM4GY_D7bgi97q5JW-95FQ-vQzwHn1SQjgce-sq0VaMTkXuhZ4iz8RTNLQJY_aFKDGTI10MzI2IFE7GodkNO4ReL3NJ4-g854oYoGbOvBnk/s1600/45AC45AF-E53C-4CA9-8A0C-E4365907BEAB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1012" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYtWUN7AwzAUW5KP3ut7cH6X67HPnEaW9yM4GY_D7bgi97q5JW-95FQ-vQzwHn1SQjgce-sq0VaMTkXuhZ4iz8RTNLQJY_aFKDGTI10MzI2IFE7GodkNO4ReL3NJ4-g854oYoGbOvBnk/s320/45AC45AF-E53C-4CA9-8A0C-E4365907BEAB.jpeg" width="202" /></a></div>
<br />
So in May 2018 I finally made the decision to retire from the National team, and in August 2018, at the World Championships in Germany, I played my 211th and last game of wheelchair basketball for Australia, with my family watching from the sidelines. You would think holding in a secret retirement would have been distracting to me but I had enough experience under my belt that I didn't let that impact me. But as soon as that final buzzer sounded, the dam of emotions broke and I cried at the knowledge that my 13 year career with the Gliders was over. But as a friend recently reminded me: "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." A Dr Zeus quote apparently, but completely true nonetheless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHmx6_Q50EdJT5t3kMMHYEQqX3UzZXimhA0sS_zdZQp0sWD0PA92wfrbK6LRMx4GNHnAw3kauhjgkegOdscGYde7MCuNIVnvGgm_vshosXA27ZtsEoUtp6T-jnx-pdfsoiflpS3n3uCc/s1600/E6B55153-20A9-462E-A4FC-5D73795606A4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1107" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHmx6_Q50EdJT5t3kMMHYEQqX3UzZXimhA0sS_zdZQp0sWD0PA92wfrbK6LRMx4GNHnAw3kauhjgkegOdscGYde7MCuNIVnvGgm_vshosXA27ZtsEoUtp6T-jnx-pdfsoiflpS3n3uCc/s320/E6B55153-20A9-462E-A4FC-5D73795606A4.jpeg" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
It is totally possible for female athletes to be mummies at the same time. There are plenty of us out there. I am not going to pretend to be the only one. As long as our NSO's and SSO's continue to support us (like BA and WAIS did for me) then Australian sport shouldn't be losing amazing athletes to retirement for motherhood goals.<br />
<br />
I was a mummy athlete for 18 months, and if I was dealt a different hand of cards I probably could have gone on a lot longer (winning Powerball would help!). But my circumstances are what they are and I am happy with the choices I've made.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to be that mum cheering her kids on from the side line, acting like she knows all the rules.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFEPxr7G8Q3bMNQBeExSF0pqfsv6f-doRA-_l6T4O_WGWddzB-e1yvKxqBrHfj24D_Sm5V8gNeHmtije2F4dPxccV982P69mU8jHudirsBtjQK9JrO0ZqwftY1fuJYmjitOLqnkcgm30/s1600/F9E833FB-6F2D-4A20-8B84-4C8F9CEE0C30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="978" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFEPxr7G8Q3bMNQBeExSF0pqfsv6f-doRA-_l6T4O_WGWddzB-e1yvKxqBrHfj24D_Sm5V8gNeHmtije2F4dPxccV982P69mU8jHudirsBtjQK9JrO0ZqwftY1fuJYmjitOLqnkcgm30/s320/F9E833FB-6F2D-4A20-8B84-4C8F9CEE0C30.jpeg" width="195" /></a></div>
Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-9984041902881515332012-09-29T11:36:00.001+08:002012-09-29T11:36:24.697+08:00My furry baby: TajReading over last weeks blog about the post-paralympic haze I thought I would clarify something about my dog Taj the "special needs dog" I mentioned. My dog HAS special needs. He isn't an assistant dog that the phrase 'special needs dog' kind of implies. I probably should have written that a bit better. My dog wouldn't have passed his assistant dog test (he will fetch for you, but getting the object back from him is the real task!).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9zcNq5T3u1CbK3XDY08uq8MpC1rvNf68rHeHS6Qw78x2gwhSx2dK_qj12-tHxiqNEINjrT41Lx9Xhis-4l01fH3iAWGNjWQb5P_6Y6nlTbZLpbgOrN-lWinarrhyphenhyphenm1r-naihOsjU-u8/s1600/205786_10150151777266378_7548909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9zcNq5T3u1CbK3XDY08uq8MpC1rvNf68rHeHS6Qw78x2gwhSx2dK_qj12-tHxiqNEINjrT41Lx9Xhis-4l01fH3iAWGNjWQb5P_6Y6nlTbZLpbgOrN-lWinarrhyphenhyphenm1r-naihOsjU-u8/s400/205786_10150151777266378_7548909_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When Taj was small enough, his fave place to sleep was underneith me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just before Taj turned one (2 February 2012) he was a very sick puppy. It was also just after Lee and I came back from our honeymoon so we thought at first maybe it was something that had happend at the kennel he stayed at for the two weeks we were away. Basically he was throwing up all the time, lost all his energy and happiness. It was hard to see your puppy go from a happy, crazy, cheeky little thing to a sad puppy who didn't even have the energy to wag his tail when he saw you coming.<br />
<br />
He spent many long days at the Vet where we would drop him off in the morning and pick him up at night just so he could be on a drip and get some fluids/nutrience. He also had a whole range of different tests and scans done so would come home with different patches of hair missing where they shaved his hair to get closer to him.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWw65h0e0I4iGsFwwgKJyzd7mwOae9Ye9agZLPpf3WFBcNZqGpIip_aOlKVIo86qxtWiIExX-qMLgvZeiBF__Fxz6SvgbSxeharqpIt3mBh8G0_XYxpSW1jIRjxfPvvnFAlp4G2hYByg/s1600/390805_10150491070101378_1361234642_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWw65h0e0I4iGsFwwgKJyzd7mwOae9Ye9agZLPpf3WFBcNZqGpIip_aOlKVIo86qxtWiIExX-qMLgvZeiBF__Fxz6SvgbSxeharqpIt3mBh8G0_XYxpSW1jIRjxfPvvnFAlp4G2hYByg/s320/390805_10150491070101378_1361234642_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No happiness in that face. Bright bandage where his drip was.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs-7_85PmlEMRtKQc62YF3crsd4wYjpwBzIxehJikLixvqAkVuoLjk1cV5-s6sPYL1Ncd5JqygR-10I55morkRCgr_IVD7lJzaRswS0aljyAmMrGM601LyUUeft8-DPuCqxHdlagE9RU/s1600/394854_10150491072581378_58054754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs-7_85PmlEMRtKQc62YF3crsd4wYjpwBzIxehJikLixvqAkVuoLjk1cV5-s6sPYL1Ncd5JqygR-10I55morkRCgr_IVD7lJzaRswS0aljyAmMrGM601LyUUeft8-DPuCqxHdlagE9RU/s320/394854_10150491072581378_58054754_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He spent a lot of time lying on the cold tiles in the bathroom, so that's where I moved his water bowl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbZpY9cHH67jm5mhAJNQBMFMMWvw95GnZGv7pXhxi1Rz8KdOJGlFujviQHxuiBIn0ADayBbbJd1g2dygMxsnSEP03sZKGKAuD2Aruymec31MvyolrTDelVex1Dla8LcxQIrLtYiNFIDI/s1600/394955_10150491071811378_1924240973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
After all those scans and tests he was eventually diagnosed with having arrhythmia. His heart was beating irregulary. Basically rather than having the normal tha-thump tha-thump heart beat, every now and then his heart would go tha-tha-tha-tha-thump. His heart was racing without him needing to do anything! We originally thought maybe he had eaten something non-biodegradable and
it was somehow stuck, hence the vomiting everytime he ate or drunk. It
would have involved one expensive but fairy simple proceedure to cut it out of him.<br />
<br />
Arrhythmia was a very scary diagnosis for us. I remember when Lee called me to tell me the news about Taj's diagnosis.
It was after I had just finished an exam at uni and I was in my car
still parked in the carpark with the tears streaming down my face. If anyone saw me they probably thought I had just flunked an exam. My furry black baby has a heart defect! This would be something we would have to deal with for the rest of his life. Taj would spend the rest of his life with:<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Various tablets at various times during the day.</u> We actually bought one of those weekly medication storage things that have morning, noon and evening compartments so we could sort out which tablets were once a day, twice a day or three times a day and at the correct dosage. We eventually bought another one so I only had to sit there with a pill cutter once every two weeks. Some tablets had to be hidden in small cubes of dog roll and dinner tablets are hidden in his can food (see below about his diet).</li>
<li><u>No exercise at all.</u> His heart was already racing so if we were to take him for a run (which Lee did quite often beforehand) then the chances of Taj having a heart attack and dying on us was very high. We were also told that we may even just come home one day with him not with us anymore. The thought of him having a heart attack outside alone was very upsetting to me. Try telling a puppy to not run around! Those of you who have owned dogs will know the little 'spazzes' they have when all of a sudden they get in the mood of running around the house. In my case it involves 'drifting' on the floor boards and slamming (all 30kg) into the walls. He likes to use the carpeted hallway to stop safely - kind of like a '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaway_truck_ramp" target="_blank">runaway truck ramp</a>' on the side of a hilly road.</li>
<li><u>A special prescription diet.</u> Gone are the days of ducking down to City Farmers to get a bag of biscuits. He is now on a strict diet of portion controlled low salt, high good-for-your-heart-stuff from Royal Canin. With no exercise we don't want him to get fat so each day he has 129g of <a href="http://www.royalcanin.co.uk/downloads/vetlibrary/nutrition_for_dogs_with_cardiac_disease.PDF" target="_blank">Royal Canin cardiac</a> dry biscuits and 1.5 cans of Royal Canin cardic canned food. About every month and a half I will spend an hour with the electric scales and fill about 40-50 plastic snap lock bags with 129 grams of biscuit.</li>
<li><u>Regular trips to the vet.</u> A big thank you to the girls and guys of Kingsway Veterinary Centre and Perth Vet Specialist who know Taj very well. I should mention just how glad Lee and I are that we took out Pet Insurance as soon as he was 8 weeks old (the earliest you can get insurance). Vet appointments aren't cheap. Vet appointments plus EEG's, ultrasounds, blood tests, hospitalisation, special diet, prescription medication = 1000's and 1000's of $$. Pet Insurance has been wonderful!</li>
</ul>
This is something that he has probably had since birth but for some reason never came to light til just before he turned 1. It isn't genetic, there is nothing wrong with the breeding. He has an impecable pedigree. It is just one of those unfortunate things that happen to people (or animals).<br />
<br />
Now a days Taj is a happy and very cheeky dog. If I am on the computer and he gets bored and wants a cuddle he will jump up and squirm his way onto my lap (just his top half, he is way too big to be a lap dog). You can tell when he has something he shouldn't when he tries to sneak past you but as soon as you look up or say 'hey!' he bolts down the hallway where you have to chase him and try sheppard him into a corner. He loves his Kong toys, especially the type that you put the treats inside and he has to roll them around to get them out. He doesn't even need the treats inside (he isn't allowed many treats anyway). He will play with them for hours without anything in them! We have had to throw out many toys (anything soft, or rope-like) because he has chewed them to tiny pieces. He is a bit of a Marley :-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3alCuae3ULzqEYOypRBmm-iwi8F7kzyAcRbMOtlfuvPATCDDlIJuShtxplSMrcNJ9WHgGaEZf8hoRgdWeaTcG46Iq6tLRSznh_r52uzGIbrPK1-cUsWliaju_4yaHsCOqVLeTeR7q_I/s1600/282022_10150251287306378_3722408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3alCuae3ULzqEYOypRBmm-iwi8F7kzyAcRbMOtlfuvPATCDDlIJuShtxplSMrcNJ9WHgGaEZf8hoRgdWeaTcG46Iq6tLRSznh_r52uzGIbrPK1-cUsWliaju_4yaHsCOqVLeTeR7q_I/s320/282022_10150251287306378_3722408_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The duck and the basketball are no longer around.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQXBnLz6qYriG7YK7rppm0g8D_YLN45xaKm9Q-iPm4b6RbRKOWyKfKJ9nxK9zCq4LgUxO772esIfMrxkxZyLieVOcRnR4PiY8ZgFhoMYpQjDSYJz_IXTC3h4dZzIHISjVgVJdosPz9FA/s1600/538886_10150773675436378_1238779452_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQXBnLz6qYriG7YK7rppm0g8D_YLN45xaKm9Q-iPm4b6RbRKOWyKfKJ9nxK9zCq4LgUxO772esIfMrxkxZyLieVOcRnR4PiY8ZgFhoMYpQjDSYJz_IXTC3h4dZzIHISjVgVJdosPz9FA/s320/538886_10150773675436378_1238779452_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red Kong toys have lasted!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over the last few months the Vet has been weening him off various tablets to see what we can get away with. His heart is beating at a fairly regular pace which is the best news. I don't think he will get off tablets entirely but at the moment he is no longer on the annoying tablet that had to be given to him 1 hour before food (which meant getting up extra early and getting home in time so he isn't being fed dinner at an unreasonable hour) and he is no longer on the one that was needed 3 times a day. He is currently on 1 tablet with breakfast and 2 and 1/4 tablets with his dinner.<br />
<br />
We still aren't taking him on walks but he is a happy dog. When the weather becomes better and consistant we will start taking him back out in the world of different smells. Definitely no running with Lee but short slow walks are fine. Will have to take that 10m lead out somewhere :-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeE54pwrx1-DtJKSN2sypK2aWQTa5HJ2f6Qa6rEI3UvAevDwtNQB_aXAg0axwu6v1H9kqhHASLav0YdkGTNZD_QmzSBAXlCsPOpxLPCiFvVrvqahHgR92xan62SNhR09VsrIp4UV5ugVk/s1600/548319_10150773674536378_1596170669_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeE54pwrx1-DtJKSN2sypK2aWQTa5HJ2f6Qa6rEI3UvAevDwtNQB_aXAg0axwu6v1H9kqhHASLav0YdkGTNZD_QmzSBAXlCsPOpxLPCiFvVrvqahHgR92xan62SNhR09VsrIp4UV5ugVk/s400/548319_10150773674536378_1596170669_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smile!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-85076026597313569612012-09-22T17:08:00.000+08:002012-09-22T17:08:03.479+08:00Upgrade!So today I am having some 'me time' (dress code: pajama's). During this time I mucked around with Photoshop and gave the blog a new look and new name. The > mathamatically means '<a href="http://www.mathsisfun.com/equal-less-greater.html" target="_blank">greater than</a>'.. so basically the name of this blog is now 'The journey is greater than the destination'. I won't have to keep changing the name every 4 years now depending on which Paralympics I am training for.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLE7xs1sDMP9LaSNJ4pQ5kGW8X1anGyOdgEuZZ7Zuw4S7DKjzj30h9UvRM9Yst_dKPO-BWTV1aiHB8cDVLFBj7oIW3WBtqPRs9Ay7e197izNbhBZ9SvjAdbxlI9cUjwswEysPPWuAGvSQ/s1600/fbc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLE7xs1sDMP9LaSNJ4pQ5kGW8X1anGyOdgEuZZ7Zuw4S7DKjzj30h9UvRM9Yst_dKPO-BWTV1aiHB8cDVLFBj7oIW3WBtqPRs9Ay7e197izNbhBZ9SvjAdbxlI9cUjwswEysPPWuAGvSQ/s400/fbc.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facebook timeline cover photo :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-87636939551096820482012-09-21T22:45:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.569+08:00Post-Paralympic hazeWell it has been just over a week since arriving back in Australia so I thought I would write about the weird sensation paralympians feel after the end of a Paralympics. Some people call it post-paralympic depression but I personally feel that the word 'depression' is used in everyday conversation too lightly especially when you find out the medical definition of it. So I am going to call it a post-paralympic <i>haze</i>. <span style="font-size: small;">(Post script - I'm not the only one to call it a haze - some chick called <a href="http://meghanmontgomery.ca/?p=94" target="_blank">Meghan Montgomery</a> called it that too!)</span><br />
<br />
It isn't jet lag aka desynchronosis (found that fancy pants word on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_lag" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>!). It is the weird feeling athletes get once they have come home from the Paralympics and have to try fit back into the world they left behind. For me I left behind the 'real world' on August 14th, over a month ago. For a whole month I have been told what time to have breakfast, lunch and dinner, what clothes I have to wear, and whether I am allowed out in my spare time. I haven't had to prepare any of my meals, load/unload a washing machine, make my bed, pick up soggy towels from the bathroom floor, drive a car or look after any dependants (in my case a special needs dog).<br />
<br />
When I got home one of the first things I did was open the stack of mail I had waiting for me and then pay the household bills that were due while I was away. Nothing like a big smack in the face from 'the Real World'. If you take out the money I spent on gifts for myself or others, there really wasn't any need to spend money when I was away. All your basic needs are provided to you. Food is prepared for you and waiting for you, you just need to choose what you want. And there is tea and coffee available. It's not always the best coffee but hey, it's there. Free.<br />
<br />
Speaking of bills, getting back into the routine of getting up early and going to work was hard! But the girls at work definitely made it worth while with the working day ending early so we could fit in time for a little celebration party at the end of the day! :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfkGPz2wuivoSmsjr2oAu1IbxioJxWHtYM8ih9dNXdvIbu1N90mG067QSAd1M04DuaPlFZd1UsnpqODBnMHSoAcCoqOO_ZRLZGWwoR_L52KaahKj7vXmF76ZOBbEv_GiEGSluoESV6_Q/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfkGPz2wuivoSmsjr2oAu1IbxioJxWHtYM8ih9dNXdvIbu1N90mG067QSAd1M04DuaPlFZd1UsnpqODBnMHSoAcCoqOO_ZRLZGWwoR_L52KaahKj7vXmF76ZOBbEv_GiEGSluoESV6_Q/s320/IMG_0539.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRklaMkO9j8VyCPRcYPtDwj3SU9PeDpeI2L4fPmVgfQOvrrH17Ky59Wju_6NNJiJRgVMu8GJviVbvj9EesEmjEKjs8-KTnUabFJo4EiK5KAu4BMDXYGAErTHacNPpkPafIHbSRGIR_Lo/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRklaMkO9j8VyCPRcYPtDwj3SU9PeDpeI2L4fPmVgfQOvrrH17Ky59Wju_6NNJiJRgVMu8GJviVbvj9EesEmjEKjs8-KTnUabFJo4EiK5KAu4BMDXYGAErTHacNPpkPafIHbSRGIR_Lo/s320/IMG_0535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhgImoWNMnkmrNStYIhuqymNcKYXxJt1fgwj0tDl424U-aMLm1o8FNfYJwUHDxefq5_kDRRCnweF4FKRKtdporUdYdXfWN89jQUEKp7eRG-PfBjM8zvwQxgfpFEnHN-1aVMgOe4fVKf8/s1600/IMG_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhgImoWNMnkmrNStYIhuqymNcKYXxJt1fgwj0tDl424U-aMLm1o8FNfYJwUHDxefq5_kDRRCnweF4FKRKtdporUdYdXfWN89jQUEKp7eRG-PfBjM8zvwQxgfpFEnHN-1aVMgOe4fVKf8/s320/IMG_0536.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008's bronze came too - work wanted to meet the whole family :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Unfortunately being a paralympian is not a job. It is a hobby you work really hard at with rewards of free(ish) travel and accommodation around Australia and the world, friendship and camaraderie, and a few monetary training/equipment/sporting grants every now and then. Unless something fantastic happens in the future in terms of awareness and massive sponsorship, being an athlete with a disability in Australia doesn't replace the need for a job/income. It would be great if we could live off major sponsership deals like some Australian and international sport stars do, but that idea is just a fantasy at this moment in time. I am proud that I have been able to somehow manage work, uni and basketball (and social life!). I have one unit to go and so soon I will graduate uni with a double degree and I am already making a name for myself in the legal profession. Sport could end suddenly for whatever reason at any time (voluntary and involuntary). If that time ever comes, then I have something amazing to fall back on.<br />
<br />
Anyway, getting back to the haze: driving my car for the first time was weird. It doesn't last long, but there was a short amount of time where I felt like a teenager who has just passed their test and driving on P's and alone for the first time. Getting used to the feel of the stearing wheel in my hands and the brake and accellerater. In Arnhem you just walked/pushed everywhere. In Cardiff and London you wheeled up onto a bus and the driver drove you where you needed to go.<br />
<br />
A big part of the haze is the fact that I have time alone. 'Me time' as I like to call it. When you're away with a team 'me time' is very rare. There were a few times when I felt a bit tired and a little cranky, but the schedule taped to my door says I have a training session, followed by recovery, then lunch, then a team meeting, then a hudl/video session in one of the smaller Glider groups. Sometimes all I wanted is to curl up in my bed with the sheets over my head but I couldn't. Now I'm back home and the concept of a day by myself without having to listen to anyone breath or eat crunchy yoghurt is completely reasonable and possible. Hashtag athlete problems!<br />
<br />
Things I don't miss about the paralympics:<br />
<ul>
<li>Getting felt up by security every time I get back from training, a game, or a visit to Westfield.</li>
<li>The accreditation dangling around my neck (especially when it blows around dramatically when pushing through a massive wind tunnel between buildings).</li>
<li>The question "do you have a pin??" from people who don't even attempt a semi-decent conversation or act of kindness before asking that question!</li>
<li>Single sized beds. I love my king sized bed (hubby to snuggle included!).</li>
</ul>
Ever since returning home I have had alot of people who know I went to the Paralympics but don't know the result ask me how I went. I would say 'I got a silver medal' and they would cheer and say how proud they are and how wonderful it is. I would reply with a nice smile and thank them for their kind words. It's hard though. I am a proud paralympian and I am proud to have a paralympic medal. But wearing a silver medal from competing in a team sport means we lost our last game. We lost the gold medal and got the silver medal instead. Unlike swimmers or runners who genuinely win silver by coming second in their race. I read <a href="http://lisachaffey.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/post-paralympic-parisian-post.html" target="_blank">Lisa Chaffey's blog</a> and she wrote about her Athens experience:<br />
<br />
<i>"In a team sport, winning a silver means you lost the gold medal game.
You go home with a shiny medal, of which you will eventually be proud,
but you lost your last game. It's a hard position to be in. It took me a
few months after Athens to start saying that I won the silver medal,
and not that I had lost the gold."</i><br />
<br />
It is probably another part of this post-paralympic haze that I have been talking about :-)<br />
<br />
If you are in Perth, Western Australia and want to come say hi to me and the other WA Paralympians then come to the Northbridge Plaza between 12 and 2.30pm on Friday 28th of September.<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Now that the London Paralympics are over I am going to have to change this blog name and the countdown. I googled the Rio Paralympics and apparently that is starting on September 7th 2016. Wow that is such a long way away! I'm going to be 30!! I have changed so much since Beijing (was single in Beijing, now I'm married!) I can't imagine what I am going to be like in Rio. Kids? Full time job? Or will I have a major sponser and be a full time athlete?? Who knows!? The journey is what makes the destination such a success. Hmmm.. maybe I should name this blog 'The Journey'. That way I wont have to keep changing the name every 4 years. Your suggestions would be much appreciative! Facebook or Tweet me!<br />
<br />
Now that my London Paralympic journey is over, I'm not sure how often I will write blogs. But if anything awesome does happen in my life then I will hopefully have some spare time to tell you about it :-)<br />
<br />
Good luck to my Husband and Dean who are competing in Tough Mudder tomorrow in Sydney! They have raised $750 for Wheelchair Sports WA which is a great effort for their first fundraising event! If you want to sneak in a donation then head to their <a href="http://everydayhero.com/flashandthunder" target="_blank">Everyday Hero webpage</a>! Wheelchair Sports WA have seen alot of young kids grow into Paralympic medal winning elite athletes (including myself, Justin Eveson and Shaun Norris) and it is fundraising and donations from the public that have helped them do it. Every bit counts!<br />
<br />
Until next time!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-55257908384097895642012-09-15T18:13:00.001+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.552+08:00Final days in LondonThe Australian Paralympic team left London on the 11th of September. Here are a few photos from my last days in London:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zwev_fgsEBLLYIR5__78w3iv-2Ty6XFl5978CUxW0JK7ETlrtU0SbgI_iwMn0p4K0al_DXuQ26bKRzfYoMqU3sFlMusz0LPx0sel7At2PjCWXHmP4WpXbo50padQd8JSDMYjSCw3aW8/s1600/DSC02114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zwev_fgsEBLLYIR5__78w3iv-2Ty6XFl5978CUxW0JK7ETlrtU0SbgI_iwMn0p4K0al_DXuQ26bKRzfYoMqU3sFlMusz0LPx0sel7At2PjCWXHmP4WpXbo50padQd8JSDMYjSCw3aW8/s400/DSC02114.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the tube - not all stations were accessible. Thankfully I had Lee and Jon with me to help me up and down the stairs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiP5CZhuVW6QIlYFT4OiWW8wlprNQHopo7zPVWD0gUh762LFsW3PKS7l9n7PH9oiBfWYTS_fy3NQEt_vIMm2lwo6vprva3n6lRd-5CZUuH3lQdlc-xHqObOCDGcpZ7TEZNP6DnLhxq1U/s1600/253113_4229659912676_254854493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiP5CZhuVW6QIlYFT4OiWW8wlprNQHopo7zPVWD0gUh762LFsW3PKS7l9n7PH9oiBfWYTS_fy3NQEt_vIMm2lwo6vprva3n6lRd-5CZUuH3lQdlc-xHqObOCDGcpZ7TEZNP6DnLhxq1U/s400/253113_4229659912676_254854493_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Potter was here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7rnaQ7H7zzdAYNwLEbSN1xqhDhEZGo5oHKQ6W0PYbl2Wo6HJ7pNMEt1ys_Umc_tHVvjSr8JRBjjUcEXq8KZ9j0gUPd9yzKUY9PQfTlPEi0ux05PyL9NJRsX85RSt44qTvxgj03QuB6w/s1600/309204_4229660552692_180800329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7rnaQ7H7zzdAYNwLEbSN1xqhDhEZGo5oHKQ6W0PYbl2Wo6HJ7pNMEt1ys_Umc_tHVvjSr8JRBjjUcEXq8KZ9j0gUPd9yzKUY9PQfTlPEi0ux05PyL9NJRsX85RSt44qTvxgj03QuB6w/s400/309204_4229660552692_180800329_n.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCZkEdbTj9d7YaQVCsnHqThq-C3ORUav-W9Xh7oqTEelIPdcY6qYc_K7BtGq6W_yYcNgDJdfzHkeLTGTy_cepAYiBUQcGjIwYh_CF41udhNETzf32v4czWWDTuUY6EoyKd7jz6evX4qA/s1600/392046_4229667632869_1877740997_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCZkEdbTj9d7YaQVCsnHqThq-C3ORUav-W9Xh7oqTEelIPdcY6qYc_K7BtGq6W_yYcNgDJdfzHkeLTGTy_cepAYiBUQcGjIwYh_CF41udhNETzf32v4czWWDTuUY6EoyKd7jz6evX4qA/s400/392046_4229667632869_1877740997_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTz2772VWxsJSt98dLCV265_LxBhi05fLbEJO0Ahna62QTIyxi9bTOplzxnOmgEsTK-pr0cF2sVvhsHwt2arK82-HeLKeCkx8rrnNqwO8Z7I5nXSE6zWhthGXYVRQVOkX8L22OQRsOwM4/s1600/301130_4246600016168_1028369115_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTz2772VWxsJSt98dLCV265_LxBhi05fLbEJO0Ahna62QTIyxi9bTOplzxnOmgEsTK-pr0cF2sVvhsHwt2arK82-HeLKeCkx8rrnNqwO8Z7I5nXSE6zWhthGXYVRQVOkX8L22OQRsOwM4/s400/301130_4246600016168_1028369115_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTnMZfq9H9jv3xYDDIW8PNjbZFwv6Dysbh4ZRfi6Pzy_ozEtbiS8E5BElgZloh7ZXHz6pGQrUELLtr61cFDtGe8NbH4LiVneT7KBlbY9eL7tImrvrzkAuya8yEYFRW6GhlFzwq0UHFjk/s1600/377624_4246602296225_349433232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTnMZfq9H9jv3xYDDIW8PNjbZFwv6Dysbh4ZRfi6Pzy_ozEtbiS8E5BElgZloh7ZXHz6pGQrUELLtr61cFDtGe8NbH4LiVneT7KBlbY9eL7tImrvrzkAuya8yEYFRW6GhlFzwq0UHFjk/s400/377624_4246602296225_349433232_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Eye</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKhclZ-MjgoREzlHUto8GAeN_SkoYP71KjJ7dlIQ3ZHbAB9HkfKI_0gVOWkoxbt27z2dydiIvaj2-5pkMR1Z1uXrBYX_TqQfflD2CsFZy3DG8ve3AjrudHkIk4hFlU2-VOlZfSQFRSVY/s1600/392392_4246602856239_370885859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKhclZ-MjgoREzlHUto8GAeN_SkoYP71KjJ7dlIQ3ZHbAB9HkfKI_0gVOWkoxbt27z2dydiIvaj2-5pkMR1Z1uXrBYX_TqQfflD2CsFZy3DG8ve3AjrudHkIk4hFlU2-VOlZfSQFRSVY/s400/392392_4246602856239_370885859_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What time is it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI63iGzUVbfOEeLHxERkKJUyUdGj6RngYJgBBoNR0tjORZ8h_bRfazt7wDDdh_bj4cp3l2gNWQLdPqwoNNy3TCukk353BQV2hPZpXKJFUpSnejhlMlq6qmxLw74rAAzOqYc56dpsJlAA4/s1600/395344_4246604296275_1369208914_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI63iGzUVbfOEeLHxERkKJUyUdGj6RngYJgBBoNR0tjORZ8h_bRfazt7wDDdh_bj4cp3l2gNWQLdPqwoNNy3TCukk353BQV2hPZpXKJFUpSnejhlMlq6qmxLw74rAAzOqYc56dpsJlAA4/s400/395344_4246604296275_1369208914_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Abbey - Kate and Will were here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1Jmje4zu9jIv0GDNI1gBsd54Q_e84h9d1IqZP6qf_u5jK7HG97uAw44Y6tJdxzIgLXfSUEh6iCLVknW2mVo5pN6oI7ewdYAntX7lSztvp8bSdbsEFcpPeeiwBgFy4N1xAPyIFMxzMYI/s1600/422692_4246601096195_1382410643_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1Jmje4zu9jIv0GDNI1gBsd54Q_e84h9d1IqZP6qf_u5jK7HG97uAw44Y6tJdxzIgLXfSUEh6iCLVknW2mVo5pN6oI7ewdYAntX7lSztvp8bSdbsEFcpPeeiwBgFy4N1xAPyIFMxzMYI/s400/422692_4246601096195_1382410643_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D0JRFi-umIO2l4IGvd7mO4qJsldMOkUX3Vf3c0QGDohIqh80J7IlqkNxPttZns6zG4OJeTI029SvEDArBZy6vb2mAMGHg41AgTVfTQOhsYIUdgKzqZHi0p3WRqNqUlsnKn31cou2MQ0/s1600/534222_4246602016218_1567121155_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D0JRFi-umIO2l4IGvd7mO4qJsldMOkUX3Vf3c0QGDohIqh80J7IlqkNxPttZns6zG4OJeTI029SvEDArBZy6vb2mAMGHg41AgTVfTQOhsYIUdgKzqZHi0p3WRqNqUlsnKn31cou2MQ0/s400/534222_4246602016218_1567121155_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaObsUHWdJu7YP4wwRR82ctRUxDFIOEcHaaDO_rH-Avct-7t2Q8g2o7gXYqXdPqYK6324Kp6x-8ppk0qgptms6Abv1aC6tdeuKxMqiuwOAa3y5wiZYvMHAQ_suk2JM-fVga0WElx6VYY/s1600/262910_4246607576357_1774964472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaObsUHWdJu7YP4wwRR82ctRUxDFIOEcHaaDO_rH-Avct-7t2Q8g2o7gXYqXdPqYK6324Kp6x-8ppk0qgptms6Abv1aC6tdeuKxMqiuwOAa3y5wiZYvMHAQ_suk2JM-fVga0WElx6VYY/s400/262910_4246607576357_1774964472_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't get to Buckingham Palace (closed due to welcome home parade) so I had my photo taken with a photo of it instead!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheI9qhQMG6j9zW96XtiDHI5pBJrwPYmUNQCgwxaNkSsjnJ_zzSxISzWYDKWhWKUZlDQPLD-Y4Lyf3rrrbszx0Liq_FB0c4rli_SfpO0VnHqkKkyrfqu2Y-oWZpkyuQl64QwbBb4vzy8uA/s1600/DSC02151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheI9qhQMG6j9zW96XtiDHI5pBJrwPYmUNQCgwxaNkSsjnJ_zzSxISzWYDKWhWKUZlDQPLD-Y4Lyf3rrrbszx0Liq_FB0c4rli_SfpO0VnHqkKkyrfqu2Y-oWZpkyuQl64QwbBb4vzy8uA/s400/DSC02151.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In a London Eye pod!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljN-Y-2Y0AmFHjvIC15G0apfTXJnMZN5OWLMrDRuClaJvFwmDSrwkanMxY7pUHrG2_8Es2wNvlan27oPUIgy3fvCz-UlAPD_jy5JOYpJ8xVACdOvprPClWAtWbQeAaa8Tb1P5gLSUxHM/s1600/DSC02164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljN-Y-2Y0AmFHjvIC15G0apfTXJnMZN5OWLMrDRuClaJvFwmDSrwkanMxY7pUHrG2_8Es2wNvlan27oPUIgy3fvCz-UlAPD_jy5JOYpJ8xVACdOvprPClWAtWbQeAaa8Tb1P5gLSUxHM/s400/DSC02164.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxhmlCm7HIt_S0QAt-z3IKOBRxb0bCgjwjoSHGNOWZ8HYHSG-gsGvMM_-HaCRlbFw6ijFaGALrVB9tFh1zREVTJLv8kwJHOqaYniR1WuNiOqM4md7RvkIeZcEPbyBIDg4vyLipfO2AEE/s1600/DSC02170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxhmlCm7HIt_S0QAt-z3IKOBRxb0bCgjwjoSHGNOWZ8HYHSG-gsGvMM_-HaCRlbFw6ijFaGALrVB9tFh1zREVTJLv8kwJHOqaYniR1WuNiOqM4md7RvkIeZcEPbyBIDg4vyLipfO2AEE/s400/DSC02170.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddington Bear!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our flight home was on a Qantas chartered flight to Sydney via bangkok. Business class is usually reserved for gold medalists but this time they also gave business seats to those of us who can't walk or weight bare (basically those of us who can't get off our bums to relieve pressure).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkK3QjLcMjFbL_91FffHTTbqFQyl_BYDOp0nWa_rIfkrkQD_4rRcl3IiYj8MZQpzmOIpxpSOgZLEJeXd3hoQszELQvaSJUqzcORft3kJ1LHV67oq9nLH2Fx8NXg9tFVboHValz993bOS0/s1600/DSC02174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkK3QjLcMjFbL_91FffHTTbqFQyl_BYDOp0nWa_rIfkrkQD_4rRcl3IiYj8MZQpzmOIpxpSOgZLEJeXd3hoQszELQvaSJUqzcORft3kJ1LHV67oq9nLH2Fx8NXg9tFVboHValz993bOS0/s320/DSC02174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was great! There are a few moments in life where being a complete paraplegic has it's benefits. The food was fantastic! I chose the duck option for both dinners - duck leg with veges for one dinner, then a duck curry with rice for the other dinner. For the breakfasts I had french toast with nutella and then toasted muslie with an apple danish. It was awesome to be able to lie completely flat when trying to sleep, rather than sleeping sitting up with your shoulders scrunched to not touch the person sitting next to you. I definitely felt alot better after 30 hours of travel this time compared to going there. Hmmm.. maybe if Basketball Australia had a bigger budget and we could travel business all the time! Happy athletes = better recovery = better performance on court! (my opinion anyway, I don't have a research study to quote/reference to back that one up)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQW3Y7exNMEDKuRNF0ynXQUSRbFBkMJUXtdzaPcFeIMtx-ffcXozFzkvibrofH3UfKYQiSUjiyjtZHBGQYAtO2w025Lvq3MC13lsnzEUgzoedOthnJtzGMcZBIixEEGAMbg7eyCs8dFA/s1600/DSC02181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQW3Y7exNMEDKuRNF0ynXQUSRbFBkMJUXtdzaPcFeIMtx-ffcXozFzkvibrofH3UfKYQiSUjiyjtZHBGQYAtO2w025Lvq3MC13lsnzEUgzoedOthnJtzGMcZBIixEEGAMbg7eyCs8dFA/s320/DSC02181.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much leg room!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XRoC_ZSHhglJNSwQwCJsN21st7fPFnuriiXbOwC9_xi6oqdyIM5VANlK3MPZnCe5yTbMSzqIr7fAxVrE9fWEeYon9W9bersZXRN5PyQdmQnacnvrKhDTYAAR7atBS7HuKhVmWqYhzpU/s1600/DSC02185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XRoC_ZSHhglJNSwQwCJsN21st7fPFnuriiXbOwC9_xi6oqdyIM5VANlK3MPZnCe5yTbMSzqIr7fAxVrE9fWEeYon9W9bersZXRN5PyQdmQnacnvrKhDTYAAR7atBS7HuKhVmWqYhzpU/s320/DSC02185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horizontal is so much better!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kudos to the Qantas staff who spent alot of their time pushing the isle wheelchair to and from the toilets. Also many thanks to the APC staff who gave massages in our seats during the stop over in Bangkok.<br />
<br />
In Sydney, there was a small welcome home reception after we cleared customs. I missed half of it because of the amount of time it (understandably) took to get everyone with a wheelchair off the plane. The minister of sport and Tony Abbott were there and Ice House sang Heroes to us again :-) Afterwards, we took the bus to the domestic terminal, had about an hour in Qantas Club (breakfast being pancakes and toast!) and then finally boarded my last flight to Perth.<br />
<br />
After too many hours to count I finally got home to a very excited Taj :-)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hGGfMXUwpGk?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The "oof!" you can hear is me when Taj jumped up on me and the hand my camera was in gave me an upper cut!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPSWz1Zm_oYfR-H2NHyrPB1Fn00duXvRBZQVEkCfdGmKv3pIxsWLPhupdL6p4LKrIsJrgb0R7d3iphkm0Tmz5bOTXGRTFq-AY3wVt5zT_RBWOGNeJdBrqD3oTykGWrVJR2SiTUjOWrK4/s1600/DSC02186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPSWz1Zm_oYfR-H2NHyrPB1Fn00duXvRBZQVEkCfdGmKv3pIxsWLPhupdL6p4LKrIsJrgb0R7d3iphkm0Tmz5bOTXGRTFq-AY3wVt5zT_RBWOGNeJdBrqD3oTykGWrVJR2SiTUjOWrK4/s320/DSC02186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-21765807358063858012012-09-15T16:48:00.001+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.543+08:00Grand finals and closing ceremony!<u>September 7th</u><br />
Well it was certainly hard to go to sleep last night even though I was in bed at a decent time. My heart was still racing from that nights game! The win was sooooo close it makes you get a sick feeling in the tummy. I tried doing the breathing techniques learnt earlier in the year (out dirty air, in clear air..) but it wasn't working. I was too excited!!<br />
<br />
Today we had a light training session where we got done what we needed to then left for an afternoon of rest. I've never had to prepare for a Paralympic gold medal match before so pretty much winged it as far as pre-game prep was concerned. I had a little nanna nap and then got ready (which includes braiding of hair and the tying of green and gold ribbons). Every game I have been reading on the bus to the game but this time I was reading on the bus and in the change rooms before the game because I wanted to finish the third Hunger Games book (what a great trilogy!!).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNtTYa6NxvSzi_Tczx2BG9TaLvzSDKrXDjI1qVDDSqCJVTCVqXi9nM6mv5qKLH_xWuLV-tFRG9_f7YGJ2K7-zaAnWPsJx0OPDM82dmNMV4niwoQDCylN5LcWHWM_jBEOpYZNzjAEFeiM/s1600/DSC01987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNtTYa6NxvSzi_Tczx2BG9TaLvzSDKrXDjI1qVDDSqCJVTCVqXi9nM6mv5qKLH_xWuLV-tFRG9_f7YGJ2K7-zaAnWPsJx0OPDM82dmNMV4niwoQDCylN5LcWHWM_jBEOpYZNzjAEFeiM/s320/DSC01987.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good luck card from our brother team the Rollers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a surreal feeling when lining up before going out on court knowing this was a gold medal game - the highest possible game a wheelchair basketballer could play. As soon as the game started it was an intense battle. The germans are amazing shooters and lead most of the game. They also played a good defense and were able to keep one of our shooting threats to zero points. They were the better shooting team on the day and unfortunately for us, made shots are what count when deciding a winner! Towards the end of the forth quarter the Gliders were told those horrible words: "play it out".<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzzMQ2vXo5zQFMPjThCZbMh9g7jwBNrRP0pAnWMbzUPm_I2nhwpY4L542D4s46RNKo8VSYg7zCSK52CL3sopt05tOJ0sdPEgNCnXEqYOYmvUwEDpeqm2PZqkZavrNIWM75QHpgl13TY0/s1600/576878_4229627671870_109697125_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzzMQ2vXo5zQFMPjThCZbMh9g7jwBNrRP0pAnWMbzUPm_I2nhwpY4L542D4s46RNKo8VSYg7zCSK52CL3sopt05tOJ0sdPEgNCnXEqYOYmvUwEDpeqm2PZqkZavrNIWM75QHpgl13TY0/s320/576878_4229627671870_109697125_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had a message written on my wrist but should have written it in a thicker, darker pen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbzMHhSA9CZDwVF6F8Bdaf_Sx6tH1lCUaJYZtCq4b7MNUGYcJFX32O8Fko6cLYsl9Kl3JA0YeJAtgaLDRkC3mqtPbj80MfF4MsubfU8CmTkPOaH5rGwrkrS2W838Ua_Q0MDCbL6n-fmI/s1600/577003_4229640112181_1027267573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbzMHhSA9CZDwVF6F8Bdaf_Sx6tH1lCUaJYZtCq4b7MNUGYcJFX32O8Fko6cLYsl9Kl3JA0YeJAtgaLDRkC3mqtPbj80MfF4MsubfU8CmTkPOaH5rGwrkrS2W838Ua_Q0MDCbL6n-fmI/s320/577003_4229640112181_1027267573_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzgDKRDyo5l7F0AMbQsipYJTKu17d4K949trLg7ojdQkRD4LVUV_qp8tyJxs-RIkAp4AOicyj886BsfEDJHgJlmthFMMNGze1HzUxEh6sTREDviBVHyT2cRqFWDn3MYufcjroV8PUJMk/s1600/644030_4229636792098_128741364_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzgDKRDyo5l7F0AMbQsipYJTKu17d4K949trLg7ojdQkRD4LVUV_qp8tyJxs-RIkAp4AOicyj886BsfEDJHgJlmthFMMNGze1HzUxEh6sTREDviBVHyT2cRqFWDn3MYufcjroV8PUJMk/s320/644030_4229636792098_128741364_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xeEHPeuv9BhAFuO3SLCcSEkd37ro1vlSkHSaerKcahInvDXMHEvGtfR9wBgEUV3u-IK_MQQ7jGoTeAmyqpW1Juvp3oP4L3wSZtLbOSLubU3hiffmCYm_sCwe2AFKadiruxOesysWGOE/s1600/424719_4229654192533_1448073044_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xeEHPeuv9BhAFuO3SLCcSEkd37ro1vlSkHSaerKcahInvDXMHEvGtfR9wBgEUV3u-IK_MQQ7jGoTeAmyqpW1Juvp3oP4L3wSZtLbOSLubU3hiffmCYm_sCwe2AFKadiruxOesysWGOE/s320/424719_4229654192533_1448073044_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The devastation I felt from losing was there inside me but I fought to keep it inside. So when the buzzer sounded and I smiled and kept on smiling: I just won a silver medal. I am a silver Paralympic medalist.<br />
<br />
After the game it was such a rush to get ready for the medal ceremony. No time for anything except line up and put your ceremony jacket and pants on. It was great lining up on the silver line which happend to be across from where the Aussie supporters where seated in the crowd. Time seemed to go by quickly because it wasn't long before I was bowing my head to receive my medal (it's so heavy!) and then listening to the German national anthem before pushing off back to our change rooms. Once there we had a few debriefs and a special guest appearance by gold medalist (and fellow Glider!) Liesl Tesch. We were then allowed to go see our family and friends in the common area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczkiC-tpKLikPfJQ4VJKuW14eJbH282s3Q3We8bJl-pdJJ4F-NFz_ojaVklF_WqYDImhrtRM7O32vSqDplRFs_t0eABfVgCRjEOOStWIXFTBC2MLdBvfyBarcvSJbNWSXKbqnxlivaIY/s1600/253113_4229659912676_254854493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczkiC-tpKLikPfJQ4VJKuW14eJbH282s3Q3We8bJl-pdJJ4F-NFz_ojaVklF_WqYDImhrtRM7O32vSqDplRFs_t0eABfVgCRjEOOStWIXFTBC2MLdBvfyBarcvSJbNWSXKbqnxlivaIY/s320/253113_4229659912676_254854493_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvxfT15noxAS8hCTCm2gTqI6QoWEG_JiWxfhg2ZAnh5wBRl63wm-_Tce-acRBz-4ATWueFg8kWAqehUFh7DVZGNT57JWWOCJqYCAoSu1Eo6u7KBZSs0tunQciw5qnH6e8_qVM2-gQLpM/s1600/309204_4229660552692_180800329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvxfT15noxAS8hCTCm2gTqI6QoWEG_JiWxfhg2ZAnh5wBRl63wm-_Tce-acRBz-4ATWueFg8kWAqehUFh7DVZGNT57JWWOCJqYCAoSu1Eo6u7KBZSs0tunQciw5qnH6e8_qVM2-gQLpM/s320/309204_4229660552692_180800329_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZM9fDGx8sDIm8W9wyPzWshqNoeJo_qpnTVKtC5pDsbYipT0FgGjOIyNS9eSNiRnnAexhyY1V6GZyFla31UmmOoFxChE0eqBODm_9h0XNPSa9gERT8nQh9bBrjZuk95eoVecs17YBqRIc/s1600/392046_4229667632869_1877740997_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZM9fDGx8sDIm8W9wyPzWshqNoeJo_qpnTVKtC5pDsbYipT0FgGjOIyNS9eSNiRnnAexhyY1V6GZyFla31UmmOoFxChE0eqBODm_9h0XNPSa9gERT8nQh9bBrjZuk95eoVecs17YBqRIc/s320/392046_4229667632869_1877740997_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The crowd of green and gold outside of Starbucks has been a great way to finish of a game. But this time the cheer was that much bigger because we were rolling towards them with silver medals around our neck. I guess now is as good as time as ever to say a big thank you to my husband Lee and my brother in law Jon for making the sacrifices needed in order to support me in London. Having someone to run up to and hug made this Paralympics so much more special to me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lkF0TXqeKmYv5IykZXi13ZPUi5VjSyNPg_Q1YSfSBRFO8dk_f2NEAP95UEp0Yq25jsVEVX4N9sQbIj8XTD50N7rjNKLDaD9c-4m4TTvU-BIf_iGNJ5Irv53MGNwkNlJhsn2dzw1i72c/s1600/251700_4229665952827_453585446_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lkF0TXqeKmYv5IykZXi13ZPUi5VjSyNPg_Q1YSfSBRFO8dk_f2NEAP95UEp0Yq25jsVEVX4N9sQbIj8XTD50N7rjNKLDaD9c-4m4TTvU-BIf_iGNJ5Irv53MGNwkNlJhsn2dzw1i72c/s320/251700_4229665952827_453585446_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8RStf3XCai5mWiF75TT9cm8C-vlv5oJdnVZCRu77XumBY7qRmp1OR4TDQh7ilaPN7l5mnIP5ZxBUJ3blsYT9dQh6YQIiv1Yze-my80jaRmT8HhLbC_irYlhCc8eSiO7jlO-QAK6PfVg/s1600/643929_4229663632769_398640693_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8RStf3XCai5mWiF75TT9cm8C-vlv5oJdnVZCRu77XumBY7qRmp1OR4TDQh7ilaPN7l5mnIP5ZxBUJ3blsYT9dQh6YQIiv1Yze-my80jaRmT8HhLbC_irYlhCc8eSiO7jlO-QAK6PfVg/s320/643929_4229663632769_398640693_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGSx2bIt4LQ5gopcpPWYFdTjcdLRlUgwqfKLu_uVnndFL6Uc_ndKkvp3TqdCrMd0dLfn4AltiKZbw6Q4VA_2kyhjPmQZ8fTSU7S1X0GrQ0ZfKGy9fdfHO3mJmPrYEld1GPMoa9OEZkJY/s1600/394319_4229666832849_1773247816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGSx2bIt4LQ5gopcpPWYFdTjcdLRlUgwqfKLu_uVnndFL6Uc_ndKkvp3TqdCrMd0dLfn4AltiKZbw6Q4VA_2kyhjPmQZ8fTSU7S1X0GrQ0ZfKGy9fdfHO3mJmPrYEld1GPMoa9OEZkJY/s320/394319_4229666832849_1773247816_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hi Dad"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I should also mention that the support on Twitter and Facebook has been amazing. On Twitter you realise you actually have fans, which for me is a weird concept. I am just Clare Nott from Perth, Australia but here I am with followers I don't know who are writing me with their messages of support. The daily hero messages are also an amazing mix of friends, family and fans. Facebook has been great - so many notifications of likes, comments and wall posts. I can't remember social media being this big 4 years ago :-)<br />
<br />
So to anyone who has tweeted me, sent me a hero message, or wrote to me on facebook - THANK YOU! I really appreciated being able to read your messages while being away. Your support is amazing. <br />
<br />
To the Gliders, we have all worked so hard these last four years. We have come along as a team in leaps and bounds. I know it is hard to have ended this journey on a loss, but we can be proud to be silver medalists. It is a step up better than Beijing and we have Rio to look forward to!<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the 7th of September - that night was pretty crazy. We didn't get back to the athlete village til after midnight and we still had to eat, and get change for some celebrations in Westfield.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQhLAxrCrphgITD4j_W-JGGESDLhoNuSIiJq_qLaAoRKJa6DKUKwB4lzSQd86fIIedOZOzTqdi4KU1j8fu3HT3jmJFE-ZqxqQ6cuaEF0oPpXyoNDjfiVfBP_D5uOHSTjfnzlkiauOV0A/s1600/DSC01993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQhLAxrCrphgITD4j_W-JGGESDLhoNuSIiJq_qLaAoRKJa6DKUKwB4lzSQd86fIIedOZOzTqdi4KU1j8fu3HT3jmJFE-ZqxqQ6cuaEF0oPpXyoNDjfiVfBP_D5uOHSTjfnzlkiauOV0A/s320/DSC01993.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first place we go after arriving back in the village after our game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0fao0PG6J2zG1xswfZroJdf1ddThUMAUl4WO6tFu8XwgrCZumyuvGCaTbPU5JJ98khxOm0h2y0s7Au3245iOpgvYs_S_JiUcqtG8KCG1yTyzrZ6TB6-fgamt-2EVC0xnh9czXGLrP80/s1600/DSC01994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0fao0PG6J2zG1xswfZroJdf1ddThUMAUl4WO6tFu8XwgrCZumyuvGCaTbPU5JJ98khxOm0h2y0s7Au3245iOpgvYs_S_JiUcqtG8KCG1yTyzrZ6TB6-fgamt-2EVC0xnh9czXGLrP80/s320/DSC01994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>September 8th</u><br />
Today was the first proper sleep in in a very long time. My number of hours slept was still significantly low though! Today was a big day though because the Aussie mens basketball team played in the gold medal game against Canada. I had my first London train experience and it wasn't too bad. The stations I got on and got off at were accessible which always makes a train experience a pleasant experience.<br />
<br />
I watched the USA beat the GB boys in the bronze medal game. I then watched an amazing game of basketball in the Australia v Canada game. The quality of athleticism was so high. It was such a close game for the majority of it but in the end the Aussie boys weren't able to maintain the golden glory they have had since 2008.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP50HCUIzXx9lTAoBqujchmDjTwkb-R4TTek7_P_OsRawhY0pEy-IThjLjRLobCHGYwfPURulJvNxbcuYJFyApdq7wcfQNc02hhMpxRgaNdeZbfF7kuAwZJMvMJ7oLvirQGSPFauCQBs/s1600/DSC01996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP50HCUIzXx9lTAoBqujchmDjTwkb-R4TTek7_P_OsRawhY0pEy-IThjLjRLobCHGYwfPURulJvNxbcuYJFyApdq7wcfQNc02hhMpxRgaNdeZbfF7kuAwZJMvMJ7oLvirQGSPFauCQBs/s320/DSC01996.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USA v GB for bronze</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsBz2izo0j_clz_nneRId5jkU2v6DkNGJqtdtRsYlq-qRcxKHAF7J1vZyn1cS3AResWvAYrO9LDDh36MPY4ou0g5fJw580zGrWz9j_pbFfmsjCt27Xu4qoTXEr4sXYH_bRD3U2u4UgMo/s1600/DSC02002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsBz2izo0j_clz_nneRId5jkU2v6DkNGJqtdtRsYlq-qRcxKHAF7J1vZyn1cS3AResWvAYrO9LDDh36MPY4ou0g5fJw580zGrWz9j_pbFfmsjCt27Xu4qoTXEr4sXYH_bRD3U2u4UgMo/s320/DSC02002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada v Australia for gold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZE-iVdu6GiEV1WLhw2xELY-9lStYgZMe7JQo2pJ9PP5Z0JYWoGQKqERVV5KGvg4RP0B4zyON0VZ4wS9ZpS0AxQoROY6VhgXCeha9yFCZgAn121O7-apI0pFWyST2SqvDd0HwloZHoww/s1600/DSC02013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZE-iVdu6GiEV1WLhw2xELY-9lStYgZMe7JQo2pJ9PP5Z0JYWoGQKqERVV5KGvg4RP0B4zyON0VZ4wS9ZpS0AxQoROY6VhgXCeha9yFCZgAn121O7-apI0pFWyST2SqvDd0HwloZHoww/s320/DSC02013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver medalists</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That night was another late night :-)<br />
<br />
<u>September 9th</u><br />
Another sleep in! Today was the last day of competition and the last day of the Paralympics. I can't believe how quickly it has come and gone! The APC have wrapped up the Paralympics in this great video:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lRlXOm-JwfM?rel=0" width="560"></iframe> </div>
<br />
Today I had the honour of watching the Aussie wheelchair rugby team (the Steelers) win gold in their grand final. It was also my first international wheelchair rugby game to watch so I am glad that it was a golden experience! Unfortunately I didn't stay for the medal ceremony because I needed to try get a nap in before having to get ready for the closing ceremony.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OtDVVg886iiunrG_jR8dSSNUIfmMdVRLiPZbt9dgBSzLip0fS58Q2e4LgC1xHKnYbJB7pcamnfqK1pBEOVlh3C5O9OJImFQF4GVKPtSsfoZWKXRNcoqsC5XE0NJwpVXpLaQm4kIBBTM/s1600/DSC02023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OtDVVg886iiunrG_jR8dSSNUIfmMdVRLiPZbt9dgBSzLip0fS58Q2e4LgC1xHKnYbJB7pcamnfqK1pBEOVlh3C5O9OJImFQF4GVKPtSsfoZWKXRNcoqsC5XE0NJwpVXpLaQm4kIBBTM/s320/DSC02023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4zcM7IombVaIVgd94_SUJ9dUVWwg4nTEEDCDXW9necQtP4OCU3kBrQ4HnQdfhFYIveVOsyuvrwCDIOoxAjApaTAhKgOZJ799uoziyfyrswL1l7PLFGJ5bI-1U_ZF2ELFG5W9QM-2crY/s1600/DSC02025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4zcM7IombVaIVgd94_SUJ9dUVWwg4nTEEDCDXW9necQtP4OCU3kBrQ4HnQdfhFYIveVOsyuvrwCDIOoxAjApaTAhKgOZJ799uoziyfyrswL1l7PLFGJ5bI-1U_ZF2ELFG5W9QM-2crY/s320/DSC02025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I napped as much as possible and had a short amount of time to get ready. I managed to get ready on time with about 15 minutes spare but the line to the lift was long and whenever it opened it was already full. So I bounced down 4 flights of stairs, with only one minor incidence of my chair wanting to go quicker than I did.<br />
<br />
Waiting to go in was a big different than the opening ceremony because this time the athletes went in before the ceremony officially started. So we basically wandered in and found a spot to sit. It started off a bit slow but once all the fire dances and Coldplay started it was fantastic. We didn't have a program so we weren't quite sure what the symbolism of everything was, but it was great to watch. My dad who watched it on tv said it was a bit like Mad Max and thinking back now there is definitely a industrial, rough metal 'dad, we're dead meat!' feel to all the machines that the performers drove around the stadium.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu112YTE3LF9csZkMjI-ruwawlPIYdvgfw0gF-16gpK2w_WOCiJJXl8WlEh7tXaIhHhJNKzuIaG2UdfSleVRFDB6Mv8DXK5TTD_ROmgnAqdvhwr4ZG6xa3ZyqRdtxlRdW3cuvi2yt0Hls/s1600/DSC02030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu112YTE3LF9csZkMjI-ruwawlPIYdvgfw0gF-16gpK2w_WOCiJJXl8WlEh7tXaIhHhJNKzuIaG2UdfSleVRFDB6Mv8DXK5TTD_ROmgnAqdvhwr4ZG6xa3ZyqRdtxlRdW3cuvi2yt0Hls/s320/DSC02030.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGBvTH57li9Ey2jnPiXkn29fDSIosygUzavX534qNYwFrSXOASrYnAKls1qNPjLvAungWjnsADLfrxwgqYijPeUQxo_N9VwI94ipS5BRUsj_7PYRcA4t7466h3Sutg54RtdPH3ik-vBE/s1600/DSC02082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGBvTH57li9Ey2jnPiXkn29fDSIosygUzavX534qNYwFrSXOASrYnAKls1qNPjLvAungWjnsADLfrxwgqYijPeUQxo_N9VwI94ipS5BRUsj_7PYRcA4t7466h3Sutg54RtdPH3ik-vBE/s320/DSC02082.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVjeEr58Y1jCXaAOqLIjJh1XAas0qXWNaUNrg4w7LKujKiJpJ1UUw1QT1sJkucg4FORrsDiqgeFscz-jjktMeel7dl3yedk4qoItWuUNRjYxvLlVNkb34owwSz0uWz3FmLGWrJ53CwBs/s1600/DSC02050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVjeEr58Y1jCXaAOqLIjJh1XAas0qXWNaUNrg4w7LKujKiJpJ1UUw1QT1sJkucg4FORrsDiqgeFscz-jjktMeel7dl3yedk4qoItWuUNRjYxvLlVNkb34owwSz0uWz3FmLGWrJ53CwBs/s320/DSC02050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufqCz_21woHW9LWgu0qSYy2o2_3dje6xd-GGDkQxkYxK8jxtk8p8lV1n7ygWXS2q0lj4G3dyfQnoHzrnYns5WK8S-_Fk97cavfarRYfeU7odeJp0sFl4-HEHGp4C4yAQRyJdluD4UpSA/s1600/DSC02056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufqCz_21woHW9LWgu0qSYy2o2_3dje6xd-GGDkQxkYxK8jxtk8p8lV1n7ygWXS2q0lj4G3dyfQnoHzrnYns5WK8S-_Fk97cavfarRYfeU7odeJp0sFl4-HEHGp4C4yAQRyJdluD4UpSA/s320/DSC02056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjec1ySQYWhPE0sdWIXOAxtmpUGcD4rSeuL6naTwhA9YVEkOO-PvmQ2w0dnaTgjFxWXfLXMfM6LjOjfoy32nmlG7_m-sq5FvyVs6N4pDwBsMHDjdhqW6eViAsMMuwMxtYCf9K7MRyjdwM0/s1600/DSC02072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjec1ySQYWhPE0sdWIXOAxtmpUGcD4rSeuL6naTwhA9YVEkOO-PvmQ2w0dnaTgjFxWXfLXMfM6LjOjfoy32nmlG7_m-sq5FvyVs6N4pDwBsMHDjdhqW6eViAsMMuwMxtYCf9K7MRyjdwM0/s320/DSC02072.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coldplay - they played most of the ceremony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczYm9Lx1XMRQu6mdrRuy1NG-kImliVeZIbaI5WHKUpg7_r0kTJyUyNuPRFi0j8P7hIhN9qRdaoQPq-lIEidX632S2s69NcwLv05u9s53vG8MvnWiuK9l0TmktyvJtTwI-M_w2og7ntDQ/s1600/DSC02100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczYm9Lx1XMRQu6mdrRuy1NG-kImliVeZIbaI5WHKUpg7_r0kTJyUyNuPRFi0j8P7hIhN9qRdaoQPq-lIEidX632S2s69NcwLv05u9s53vG8MvnWiuK9l0TmktyvJtTwI-M_w2og7ntDQ/s320/DSC02100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rihanna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtaYV8nNZNsdUJ4xsnU8Hnx8SZ1uL48Uj2sju0tzOJ8m7jU33FD_MzM3_og3_1GlXMme7T5eOjpT6oMHjI_QPF3ZEpzSs7W17csEqXVb1D65qQZqiU-CNNOyVxuFcsRneTi6LELsMq4o/s1600/DSC02109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtaYV8nNZNsdUJ4xsnU8Hnx8SZ1uL48Uj2sju0tzOJ8m7jU33FD_MzM3_og3_1GlXMme7T5eOjpT6oMHjI_QPF3ZEpzSs7W17csEqXVb1D65qQZqiU-CNNOyVxuFcsRneTi6LELsMq4o/s320/DSC02109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jay Z</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
ParalympicTV have the whole ceremony on youtube. If you missed it and have a spare 2.5 hours then you can watch it!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pIRHMmM2z7c?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-27101991938440426802012-09-07T22:18:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.544+08:00Semi finals!<u>September 6th </u><br />
I am very excited as I am writing this. Why? Because the Aussie Gliders are through to the grand final!!!<br />
<br />
Today we had to play against the USA girls in our semi final. It was a battle! What I kept in my head the entire game was how I felt after losing to them in the semi at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. I did not want to feel like that again. It was even at half time, then we had a fantastic run on them in the third (they only scored 2 points to our 12) but then we had a shocker of a forth quarter. We only scored 2 points but we kept them to 11. We won by 1 point!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAbiabdowc_EkJ0s2nT9WGD68HIHeQ3skIC6jHaPMRKz2i1ZlNycJG_-g7PKxVIbOwcH6VZOY7hicFjSferb5rus5S_n4MIc5Sv8Js9tmGTpilcIPJgKKQ8uJcugYfGJquthPCMAOff0/s1600/292949_4225455847577_1752478492_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAbiabdowc_EkJ0s2nT9WGD68HIHeQ3skIC6jHaPMRKz2i1ZlNycJG_-g7PKxVIbOwcH6VZOY7hicFjSferb5rus5S_n4MIc5Sv8Js9tmGTpilcIPJgKKQ8uJcugYfGJquthPCMAOff0/s320/292949_4225455847577_1752478492_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5MargQfE6LOWayFZmhNpdyhVOmTMcF7mmRFS4G2U08aZ4sQyv2ayoGlOz4n-Acc7X2L8qyvgbfUyD97rryhPSgQYLOrjh-WCUiWtakCWL-4DWcyzfhv_D5t-kG8tGKjaAjs6KpNnfmc/s1600/429929_4225456287588_770391461_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5MargQfE6LOWayFZmhNpdyhVOmTMcF7mmRFS4G2U08aZ4sQyv2ayoGlOz4n-Acc7X2L8qyvgbfUyD97rryhPSgQYLOrjh-WCUiWtakCWL-4DWcyzfhv_D5t-kG8tGKjaAjs6KpNnfmc/s320/429929_4225456287588_770391461_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvXQHtPYpHMBPbyxoNwwpvPXIQedS6kMeafB9VsP_BHDCeAD6vht-jojxU29fx-TAB2eOSO8cY4RPaJaK95QvobE5vCHRojsQ0FjwEJbsvqGSnhFacxLWPDpH0kpiBU5E4wVNTOgeE4w/s1600/546299_4225462687748_1134392097_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvXQHtPYpHMBPbyxoNwwpvPXIQedS6kMeafB9VsP_BHDCeAD6vht-jojxU29fx-TAB2eOSO8cY4RPaJaK95QvobE5vCHRojsQ0FjwEJbsvqGSnhFacxLWPDpH0kpiBU5E4wVNTOgeE4w/s320/546299_4225462687748_1134392097_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVx7Z-1BMYurshCRT1FMUDdikrCAd2d43eeyaHLwlx_prny2dcobcFEuMgow68HWlyS1OZsWTI3kCApKFZEDr0lTonCiLN8rh-TJkJn-mXSE8cXEaZQVsGHWPzt74kFQkaWXpcN3vpbE/s1600/644014_4225480088183_1539149119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVx7Z-1BMYurshCRT1FMUDdikrCAd2d43eeyaHLwlx_prny2dcobcFEuMgow68HWlyS1OZsWTI3kCApKFZEDr0lTonCiLN8rh-TJkJn-mXSE8cXEaZQVsGHWPzt74kFQkaWXpcN3vpbE/s320/644014_4225480088183_1539149119_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to apologise for celebrating early. I heard a buzzer go off, saw the missed shot, turned to look at my bench, heard the crowd roar and saw people on our bench jump up with happy faces. For some reason all those things in my mind equaled the end of the game with a win to us. My brain was in a semi-final fuzz. It wasn't until after I had already pushed to my bench when I realised we actually still had 1.9 seconds to go. Our possession. 1 point up. We just needed to catch the ball and hold onto it. SC caught it, she held it. The real end game buzzer went off and we were the winners! Time for the happy tears!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kLMqL_2Pjt8iHsKGcuynjXDrx4N7vbsPtF5NdFap7vhnjlvlQcrq3CMqy5O9wPkdhyYZoDWyJGfVwJjo9bqSo0tQ_2XUf3gcqbhiGleccFURFZad0_OFKICd6CeVhQqBx9Sn0WuyquI/s1600/383279_4225482648247_1102049036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kLMqL_2Pjt8iHsKGcuynjXDrx4N7vbsPtF5NdFap7vhnjlvlQcrq3CMqy5O9wPkdhyYZoDWyJGfVwJjo9bqSo0tQ_2XUf3gcqbhiGleccFURFZad0_OFKICd6CeVhQqBx9Sn0WuyquI/s400/383279_4225482648247_1102049036_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The US girls have been the masters of come backs at this tournament. In their games against China and Canada they were able to come back from being behind to winning the game. Their focus has been amazing, they nailed several clutch shots and their full court press nearly had us!<br />
<br />
With all that said, it doesn't matter if we win by a point or 20 - winning is winning. Australia won the semi! I am going to play in a Paralympic grand final. There is nothing more sweet than that. Hold on, what am I talking about!? Winning gold at a Paralympics will be the sweetest thing ever!<br />
<br />
The Gliders are all smiles, and "booyeah!!" now, but we still have one more important job to do. So tonight we will be trying very hard to calm down in order to get a good nights sleep so it is all business tomorrow. We have played the Germans numerous times over the past few years. Each time we play them we have played like it is the Paralympic gold medal game. We have beat them prior to this tournament. We can do this!!<br />
<br />
Thank you to all the support we are getting here in London and back home in Australia. We will need it tomorrow. It's going to be a great battle! May the best team win! Go Gliders!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XeNbpEry1Bc7bVzH_U6QDW-huTxoK1oGF5TFPA9btfkzSgfHQ0oaD0aRi6ribWDh8iDyMtlOiGsN3ef_nCaL2hsTUdcYBrTo0V8YW4b5tKVqgPXuQSEB5k5SNsFyBz0ABZ7LxGrLe5w/s1600/423807_4225483848277_370426328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XeNbpEry1Bc7bVzH_U6QDW-huTxoK1oGF5TFPA9btfkzSgfHQ0oaD0aRi6ribWDh8iDyMtlOiGsN3ef_nCaL2hsTUdcYBrTo0V8YW4b5tKVqgPXuQSEB5k5SNsFyBz0ABZ7LxGrLe5w/s400/423807_4225483848277_370426328_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Best luck to the Netherlands and the USA who will be playing off for the bronze tomorrow. <br />
<br />
For a great photo and a write up about both semi final games - go to the official <a href="http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/news/articles/australia-edge-semi-final-thriller.html" target="_blank">London 2012 website</a> :-) Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-6577411731929426762012-09-06T06:08:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.558+08:00Quarter finals!<u>September 4th</u><br />
Today was our cross over game against the Mexican's. We were really strong right from the start which earned me a rest for 3/4 of the game. Our bench played an amazing game - not only keeping solid pressure on the Mexicans but also adding to the lead. Our team of 12 women is definitely 12 deep. 12 strong, admirable women who know how to play bloody awesome defence (which flows into a bloody awesome offence!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFcNMHvOFSmbDVzj8ZFukau2QtFMb5rwWMnk_nMyzKekcAAQDdeOgwSI_DVFoI9pAD5h9Zbe9lDm7-3g0d7kp2BKASTSQkyWu5mwhf9lHwyJRVbAbNkoKMGr9VpgqFYSVlrDL9NZdxLA/s1600/524446_4212806451350_486197972_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFcNMHvOFSmbDVzj8ZFukau2QtFMb5rwWMnk_nMyzKekcAAQDdeOgwSI_DVFoI9pAD5h9Zbe9lDm7-3g0d7kp2BKASTSQkyWu5mwhf9lHwyJRVbAbNkoKMGr9VpgqFYSVlrDL9NZdxLA/s320/524446_4212806451350_486197972_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJSnR8XMCuJrQ2TT36m6UtTWkPv2D71ypNtzvGbh-edXXaSbOscjUm5myR-kg9-yk0s4YFy2SxTWvrSowI5PAl54kFkeSgJDHICTxx7b6ZFWiF6Pm6V_GZwOgmk_UxkR2xncKg-aqxts/s1600/560374_4212800451200_1550263064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJSnR8XMCuJrQ2TT36m6UtTWkPv2D71ypNtzvGbh-edXXaSbOscjUm5myR-kg9-yk0s4YFy2SxTWvrSowI5PAl54kFkeSgJDHICTxx7b6ZFWiF6Pm6V_GZwOgmk_UxkR2xncKg-aqxts/s320/560374_4212800451200_1550263064_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hubby Lee was part of half time entertainment - getting interviewed on court side. Unfortunately I couldnt see it in the change rooms backstage!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLAdh6J_ekgLBex3TGkph0XRRJEaFfNGz5xkBAHeRkPjoXaeBniEMijvHdq-jIBkAAHpKp6Q3NED0gF6ulTgiqRacMorgdsfCo_7arKZdErXHJgcMAdft4cMSRnYRy6hxRuT7s3jb2MQ/s1600/285417_4212819531677_1921268024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLAdh6J_ekgLBex3TGkph0XRRJEaFfNGz5xkBAHeRkPjoXaeBniEMijvHdq-jIBkAAHpKp6Q3NED0gF6ulTgiqRacMorgdsfCo_7arKZdErXHJgcMAdft4cMSRnYRy6hxRuT7s3jb2MQ/s320/285417_4212819531677_1921268024_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our win against the Mexicans (62 to 37) means we are going into the semi finals! After the game I was pulled to the side by media (which is always kinda cool) and blabbered on about braiding hair when asked if we have a pre-game routine. My braided hair and ribbons make up for all the ugly faces I make on court :-)<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzc03i7J-sbvFv-9whyf3k5yyzow0P1u54Xs2-BJH3dppH7-Q60V2WnUIeMsI4tut64rKS_UjwkM4MEmoJTiFyXz0QwC6Xvm8KkDf3erQgKKYduMtP-Jyh4RGBOFPq6ENvl_QmSlD5II/s1600/548135_4212833452025_1047897237_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzc03i7J-sbvFv-9whyf3k5yyzow0P1u54Xs2-BJH3dppH7-Q60V2WnUIeMsI4tut64rKS_UjwkM4MEmoJTiFyXz0QwC6Xvm8KkDf3erQgKKYduMtP-Jyh4RGBOFPq6ENvl_QmSlD5II/s320/548135_4212833452025_1047897237_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The APC media crew have done it again! What would I spend my last $10 on? I'm not very good at spontaneous answers especially with a camera in my face so my answer is a bit weird. There are heaps of decent meals for under $10! What was I thinking?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/e1YuEH1cnuA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
After dinner we watched an emotional game between the GB and German girls. The GB girls worked their butts off and their country would be extremely proud of them despite them going down to the Germans in the final quarter. We also watched the USA v Canada game. The winner of course being the team we will play in the semi's. This game was also a very intense game to watch. So close right til the end but it was the USA girls who were the victors.<br />
<br />
The reality at the Paralympics is that there can only be 1 gold medal team, with two other teams winning silver and bronze. There are many more quality teams in the world. We can all beat each other. Womens wheelchair basketball is that good!! <br />
<br />
<u>September 5th</u><br />
Today was another rest day. Breakfast, getting my photo on a stamp, lunch, meeting, training session, recovery, dinner, and lastly, re-dyed my pinky purple bit in my hair :-) Bring on USA tomorrow!!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-84563094649600326612012-09-04T04:46:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.566+08:00Preliminary games.<u>September 1st</u><br />
Today we played against Canada. It was such a great game to play. We are able to match up really well against them and on court both teams played really well. Unfortunately we lost by 7. A few of our roll arounds rolled out and a few of Canada's roll arounds rolled in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY1-ND1_uLdYkPXssXu7Zk1gFjh79NI4PKvdXywBG2ntR0uKKyCqqrjBsSYCfGUUxywhBoUNsJEK58P2ku8zPfFttQsI0wFnql_f2iaCfreU7a4RMWyaQC9CsNxdnhCtCvhV7D_6KR6U/s1600/304487_4197736834619_2038842801_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY1-ND1_uLdYkPXssXu7Zk1gFjh79NI4PKvdXywBG2ntR0uKKyCqqrjBsSYCfGUUxywhBoUNsJEK58P2ku8zPfFttQsI0wFnql_f2iaCfreU7a4RMWyaQC9CsNxdnhCtCvhV7D_6KR6U/s320/304487_4197736834619_2038842801_n.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYytNnDiBopo30aR8yTTKGQGqyhqMUIpu9Tv77MDl6Vo07YJH0Gbmn0a4vBSnYki-yjSsaefMGvtHw-hb_LQuv3BOfDHgNrAfyFnfiC5OlfLrlvqNB86-4rvPTWd8NdcX2Xh-tTRfuK3o/s1600/577093_4197736034599_1384534040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYytNnDiBopo30aR8yTTKGQGqyhqMUIpu9Tv77MDl6Vo07YJH0Gbmn0a4vBSnYki-yjSsaefMGvtHw-hb_LQuv3BOfDHgNrAfyFnfiC5OlfLrlvqNB86-4rvPTWd8NdcX2Xh-tTRfuK3o/s320/577093_4197736034599_1384534040_n.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />
Our first loss at the Paralympics didn't sadden the Gliders, we still had smiles on our faces after the game. Losing that game didn't lessen our chances of playing for a gold medal. We still have a few games up our sleeve before anything like that can happen. But it's not going to! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZhba4HZFWTkWpy4bYmMwa_qCkxhfGLleE2x4YNW1-QfuFahIdK5jMxRrFz5BjGRfn7RNqQhSfg2GASnjtf6cF7nKM9Mi6u94F75OrytQUeKxBoBczz3ZLHguajsInA-UOQQTVIqSLgU/s1600/293049_4197745194828_2038184695_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZhba4HZFWTkWpy4bYmMwa_qCkxhfGLleE2x4YNW1-QfuFahIdK5jMxRrFz5BjGRfn7RNqQhSfg2GASnjtf6cF7nKM9Mi6u94F75OrytQUeKxBoBczz3ZLHguajsInA-UOQQTVIqSLgU/s320/293049_4197745194828_2038184695_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>September 2nd</u><br />
Today was a very long day for us!! Firstly, we had a mid-morning shoot around at the training venue in Hackney and for the second time we missed Adam Hills going into the Athlete Village! We missed him in Beijing as well but he left us a handwritten note. This time round he gave us some serious kudos in the following APC media video:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z9fQxn6H2Io?rel=0" width="560"></iframe> </div>
<br />
Secondly, my afternoon nap was interrupted by water coming through a downlight due to a burst pipe in an upper level, therefore several Mr Fix It's were coming in and out of my room and it felt weird being in my bed while they put holes in the roof to drain the water out. I was really pleased by how efficient the APC and the maintenance men worked in order of getting this fixed.<br />
<br />
Lastly, our game against the Netherlands didn't start until 9.15pm! Prior to the game I was telling people it is going to be a very tough game. We haven't beat this team in about 4 years but the Glider's never go into a game thinking they are going to lose. If you think that before a game then you have already lost and the outcome will more than likely be the same. We knew who the threats were and what defence we had to run to try stop them from scoring. We also had a few tricks up our sleeve in order to get not only a good shot but the best shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-21Jcbdcyw83DnIoHI_MyCXSO9qSQhS7pIh_r3o8tU-vckXWkqnRlW4t3MsdHoGd6NHJ8lEfQ-Fb0tXcaKGS7kIfC0hx2GcPlDK5_CE_XmdsmR2ujSdyHqes9oOWnnGYPk8rWDkmXQQ/s1600/396072_4203849707437_1685204082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-21Jcbdcyw83DnIoHI_MyCXSO9qSQhS7pIh_r3o8tU-vckXWkqnRlW4t3MsdHoGd6NHJ8lEfQ-Fb0tXcaKGS7kIfC0hx2GcPlDK5_CE_XmdsmR2ujSdyHqes9oOWnnGYPk8rWDkmXQQ/s320/396072_4203849707437_1685204082_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4NIv7HYLFtFdFDVrjd3ooSy_eTgEN9S61rMVQArs-G_WKnRG81dyrYMyeCu0AGxiKklLzXUM2inNkjT4Kq6Ur2UJYNIdQXYrSbhYNuyAKB9dI6k1wVJ5yiVbo3M7zOLcrGf_w8QLpxk/s1600/523380_4203828386904_1024844517_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4NIv7HYLFtFdFDVrjd3ooSy_eTgEN9S61rMVQArs-G_WKnRG81dyrYMyeCu0AGxiKklLzXUM2inNkjT4Kq6Ur2UJYNIdQXYrSbhYNuyAKB9dI6k1wVJ5yiVbo3M7zOLcrGf_w8QLpxk/s320/523380_4203828386904_1024844517_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9_cYixQ05pQR5DHdmzNTCGT3NjVrPqfWfLMdddgr81BijjXqvQVxwHqYUk8f8hyphenhyphenkmSd0B8JlnBjrUqFko8omqIgP1bE88dUjEe1Px9CrZRsUODdnVDaIGYy-uqO5w7-K3m2igBAArzQ/s1600/564220_4203834467056_1292365741_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9_cYixQ05pQR5DHdmzNTCGT3NjVrPqfWfLMdddgr81BijjXqvQVxwHqYUk8f8hyphenhyphenkmSd0B8JlnBjrUqFko8omqIgP1bE88dUjEe1Px9CrZRsUODdnVDaIGYy-uqO5w7-K3m2igBAArzQ/s320/564220_4203834467056_1292365741_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We frickin' won!! We had a great shooting percentage and we did exactly what we were told to do by our offensive and defensive coaching staff. The Gliders were so happy after that game. Not just because we have given us a better chance of finishing on top of the ladder, but because we finally beat a team that we have had trouble beating for the past few years!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-P2qGtpRBzqKZmREWhEFaRlwwCSlJAwxBGque6Nu8GVEzGX87gATOVbqJF7qtsOyAS3XqbHTkdesKoX2WLQaN0isXA4OccQkbLfOXudFcpqmEztyRHvjEHV2sDcMXPv6S_PTbBX7gD8/s1600/200474_4203855707587_852982627_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-P2qGtpRBzqKZmREWhEFaRlwwCSlJAwxBGque6Nu8GVEzGX87gATOVbqJF7qtsOyAS3XqbHTkdesKoX2WLQaN0isXA4OccQkbLfOXudFcpqmEztyRHvjEHV2sDcMXPv6S_PTbBX7gD8/s400/200474_4203855707587_852982627_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I say better chance of finishing on top of the ladder because despite the fact that we have finished all our games, there is still one more day of preliminaries that the other countries in our pool have to play. It isn't until tomorrow night until we know for sure where we are on the ladder in our pool and who we will cross over with the next day.<br />
<br />
I loved the big round of applause the Gliders got as we wandered out into the common area outside the stadium. All our supporters in the one area so we get some valuable family time after the game.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtI59bt3UFBnWnlV6yr50aqSwRaRkAMcsXxHWURqmABp4kcrrksRy7dgrO-yh3t6KlYICF26Z4lwYMBqPtohaQmsmT4cFyxjqO1as4wm65y4ybeLBErKKg5tkVJdn8YEiDQV9srbo9G2k/s1600/295899_4203857747638_849553690_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtI59bt3UFBnWnlV6yr50aqSwRaRkAMcsXxHWURqmABp4kcrrksRy7dgrO-yh3t6KlYICF26Z4lwYMBqPtohaQmsmT4cFyxjqO1as4wm65y4ybeLBErKKg5tkVJdn8YEiDQV9srbo9G2k/s320/295899_4203857747638_849553690_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vQQW1N64f5SceBTqG4N09K0n1k2HeggooeIkg9p86PR-AIAcPwsW5qN2CpJXK71TRdJrECQj5fBqsRy7LcBLa7u5rslushPLmWqdwT1CZ8Fdnme1Jpl_qvuItMRvSrGO2gBbxU_5LGY/s1600/603422_4203860107697_977661231_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vQQW1N64f5SceBTqG4N09K0n1k2HeggooeIkg9p86PR-AIAcPwsW5qN2CpJXK71TRdJrECQj5fBqsRy7LcBLa7u5rslushPLmWqdwT1CZ8Fdnme1Jpl_qvuItMRvSrGO2gBbxU_5LGY/s320/603422_4203860107697_977661231_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HTbZ6lE2QgW-VOIMvLMgOW6q8sQR9GypCn7brPvByI5CKc1gQZ1KrKFb7mr1Y2EiaFgW9IjjcagIiofjeLaZwlHmO4Nqte-wRhLqFuCHXpBF4mO9j2lxmgdoAAxoBKU9QtHKjfsE4tw/s1600/296600_340863389339678_143822757_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HTbZ6lE2QgW-VOIMvLMgOW6q8sQR9GypCn7brPvByI5CKc1gQZ1KrKFb7mr1Y2EiaFgW9IjjcagIiofjeLaZwlHmO4Nqte-wRhLqFuCHXpBF4mO9j2lxmgdoAAxoBKU9QtHKjfsE4tw/s400/296600_340863389339678_143822757_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>September 3rd</u><br />
Today we had off. No training! No games! A much needed rest for the Gliders. Today we watched some of the womens games on tv and at the stadium (what a come back by the US!). I then watched the aussie boys play and then had a decent amount of time with family which included a yummy dinner at the Westfield's TGI Fridays (how good are the ribs!).<br />
<br />
Tonight we were officially told that we have finished on top of our pool ladder! And that we will be playing Mexico at 1pm tomorrow in the cross overs. GO GLIDERS!!
<br /><br />
Thoughts and hugs to the Tesch family. The Gliders are with you! xxClare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-33800628389127652642012-09-01T14:40:00.001+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.546+08:00Let the games begin!<u>August 30th</u><br />
Today we had training in the morning at a place in Hackney. We didn't go too hard because we have a game later in the day but we had a great shooting session.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxmG5MjTxjAielvDI69mgsuE9RpTFkTKM9an7Cxwqwm2RRmNlglc3-gbQCWrlpWLZNfFqPSlhto4H8b8YUxrCyT_iiMcfDc0hH3yCRvItOjYzchuEdQ5mvfVhCwasE82vM41VJYAbPnU/s1600/DSC01978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxmG5MjTxjAielvDI69mgsuE9RpTFkTKM9an7Cxwqwm2RRmNlglc3-gbQCWrlpWLZNfFqPSlhto4H8b8YUxrCyT_iiMcfDc0hH3yCRvItOjYzchuEdQ5mvfVhCwasE82vM41VJYAbPnU/s320/DSC01978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As a bit of inspiration prior to our first game, we got to watch an
absolutely awesome video made by fellow Glider Kathleen. She did an
amazing job on the video - none of us in London were expecting anything
quite like it. So much effort was put into it and it was a tear jerker!
Happy tears! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gow1uYb9HV4?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
We played our first game against Brazil and it was tough! We haven't played against them in a very long time so we had basically no idea how they play their offence and how they will play their defence. So we kinda had to wing it. But we are tough and slogged our way through the game to come away with a 2 point win! Phew!! The end score was 52 to 50.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvAEqHYThgAdLymPOr-9CCzBJAnjAncx3QJah7h0cXo7281CHYmWIMLfvBINSCg2cuMFktkBHE2wdM2SQMzj9vKO3b8OTNMpgpRiAsi_MkPGAH5O5LlT_FEvsA2hDJOgFLpmAQJMyb0U/s1600/3382_4188206516367_1264793499_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvAEqHYThgAdLymPOr-9CCzBJAnjAncx3QJah7h0cXo7281CHYmWIMLfvBINSCg2cuMFktkBHE2wdM2SQMzj9vKO3b8OTNMpgpRiAsi_MkPGAH5O5LlT_FEvsA2hDJOgFLpmAQJMyb0U/s320/3382_4188206516367_1264793499_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHikESSVpzfYGuovrCpEIteVGxZ6300ehXzMoj_-R1eVtAs2jvAuQHHBSyXHjaOya9Go1fBSmZIbLrQ5Sypu0JdpbrC-BjMchnoQFIROPUX2CqZZA90jv1sJ60b5qbq44m1t7lFLa9q9Q/s1600/417409_4188207276386_1347103119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHikESSVpzfYGuovrCpEIteVGxZ6300ehXzMoj_-R1eVtAs2jvAuQHHBSyXHjaOya9Go1fBSmZIbLrQ5Sypu0JdpbrC-BjMchnoQFIROPUX2CqZZA90jv1sJ60b5qbq44m1t7lFLa9q9Q/s320/417409_4188207276386_1347103119_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFTZwduPh3GKzk8k0ZhxaVGnaHqc7S3HK2yq7OUCwELe0aprdtRGZZq_-nbsRXA7wfLlm772kV4Z7Zrsl_vDC6ahpPGe5vHO8SO_FZMAG3NJ8soSJrZQKc-JICGLvQ1_PeD3ofCtDdBE/s1600/524448_4188211516492_459707286_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFTZwduPh3GKzk8k0ZhxaVGnaHqc7S3HK2yq7OUCwELe0aprdtRGZZq_-nbsRXA7wfLlm772kV4Z7Zrsl_vDC6ahpPGe5vHO8SO_FZMAG3NJ8soSJrZQKc-JICGLvQ1_PeD3ofCtDdBE/s320/524448_4188211516492_459707286_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>August 31st</u><br />
Today we played against the GB team. Playing against the home favourite was amazing. The stadium was packed and there was massive roars everytime they scored or when the court announcer mentioned them. It was kinda cool to hear the majority of the crowd sing the GB national anthem. If it was us playing in Australia and I was listening to the entire stadium singing, it would be a tear jerker for sure! We had our pocket of yellow in the corner and we are glad we were able to put on a good show for our supporters at the game and those watching on tv back at the stadium or back in Australia.<br />
<br />
I had alot of fun playing this game, I got 6 points and got a couple rebounds which is always nice as a low pointer. I was rested for the last half of the game and and enjoyed watching the Gliders finish the game with great intensity.<br />
<br />
We won 51 to 24.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIRWpWoZYTTKziTJeyK3BSxaubF-lJRfX59zh7MaC91uOPW_g36I6XYKJ0OaIV17leb_xE-K-fz4ip2i7KH3Q-LmRVsrIU4k1z_7yyon-rIqRPd86zz0PN5Z2NYtB5SXz5T0Cyi3FUtM/s1600/199157_4192455982601_547953684_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIRWpWoZYTTKziTJeyK3BSxaubF-lJRfX59zh7MaC91uOPW_g36I6XYKJ0OaIV17leb_xE-K-fz4ip2i7KH3Q-LmRVsrIU4k1z_7yyon-rIqRPd86zz0PN5Z2NYtB5SXz5T0Cyi3FUtM/s320/199157_4192455982601_547953684_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LyeM1YSNhdNr6onn2T_gsgT-gKw_3x-_YCIYrx32KKblrOHECLHxb9RXufEu8ZPoZga_EhlYGUwFkXs2qtLXKTXxPD-AAi3txFDkEhlWwjqnpNKyZMSpWPD3eyQbAVi59aVnOcl3B64/s1600/217897_4192462822772_1531364381_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LyeM1YSNhdNr6onn2T_gsgT-gKw_3x-_YCIYrx32KKblrOHECLHxb9RXufEu8ZPoZga_EhlYGUwFkXs2qtLXKTXxPD-AAi3txFDkEhlWwjqnpNKyZMSpWPD3eyQbAVi59aVnOcl3B64/s320/217897_4192462822772_1531364381_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76cXsX24U5EI-IszZ-WEhZSej5aeQlUSSsKABCbJn6mPsfsiblzso3YtT_FzkFkL-Xhg3MWcFDZy1ruwfJMAtFawE80MzjjTYDVlQ4H2lXxVvsmrB25ZiOS1sofqH_rsR5QuGNb9jyTI/s1600/553934_4192463462788_981520862_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76cXsX24U5EI-IszZ-WEhZSej5aeQlUSSsKABCbJn6mPsfsiblzso3YtT_FzkFkL-Xhg3MWcFDZy1ruwfJMAtFawE80MzjjTYDVlQ4H2lXxVvsmrB25ZiOS1sofqH_rsR5QuGNb9jyTI/s320/553934_4192463462788_981520862_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN4iNnWRm5frMW_aqHo1sB1_YZo-OjUeEAfgdpgaCfeNyiIz9G5SLtiYHEekd3roHLQvwGE8wZsrSibJjL7_xO-MFlmChhICgcnqsWD-59zS2xS59Npxb0GWSnLOCDQjdXkoZ5gS1qz8/s1600/524524_4192481463238_766608176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN4iNnWRm5frMW_aqHo1sB1_YZo-OjUeEAfgdpgaCfeNyiIz9G5SLtiYHEekd3roHLQvwGE8wZsrSibJjL7_xO-MFlmChhICgcnqsWD-59zS2xS59Npxb0GWSnLOCDQjdXkoZ5gS1qz8/s320/524524_4192481463238_766608176_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeU-w_q2SC1Kfw2Wg9F0Qm7pKTqgaH6ajd3LYMEjYb-WXbUg1xBkLaOc5Cj-bs9Q8SthXFVrnZ6h2S0GpOGu5eWY3trLpStaeQtEB0XW-6hdIAueFZ7Sw-vqIETNsNPOj2i6ciTaqYkk/s1600/553742_4192478983176_86734619_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeU-w_q2SC1Kfw2Wg9F0Qm7pKTqgaH6ajd3LYMEjYb-WXbUg1xBkLaOc5Cj-bs9Q8SthXFVrnZ6h2S0GpOGu5eWY3trLpStaeQtEB0XW-6hdIAueFZ7Sw-vqIETNsNPOj2i6ciTaqYkk/s320/553742_4192478983176_86734619_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game photos by Lee Nott</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-62825945046690273002012-09-01T01:01:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.557+08:00London (cont.)<u>August 28th</u><br />
This morning we had the Australian team welcoming function. Lots of acrobats, singing, and dancing. There was also speeches, the playing of our national athem and the exchange of gifts from our NPC and the village mayor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLNKxRCQk89gAGyYQeG1kzoe2ANJxEfMZIXZlOl1uDLnm_0bIQnmsmce_CzXNykHNzUwXlBwZLGUa_1LjrLcxPv6b4ijSPJ6HCP3zfa48gu0UltBUdYBsAX37Xdul6j9zM25xK6SFP7k/s1600/DSC01926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLNKxRCQk89gAGyYQeG1kzoe2ANJxEfMZIXZlOl1uDLnm_0bIQnmsmce_CzXNykHNzUwXlBwZLGUa_1LjrLcxPv6b4ijSPJ6HCP3zfa48gu0UltBUdYBsAX37Xdul6j9zM25xK6SFP7k/s320/DSC01926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Later in the day was also my first opportunity to catch up with my hubby Lee and brother in law Jon at the Westfield! Such a great moment after being away from home since August 14th. <br />
<br />
<u>August 29</u><br />
The day we have been waiting for! The Opening Ceremony!!! We didn't have a training session today so most of the day was about preparing for the Opening. We had a team induction where we were given our Australian Paralympic pins designed by a few fellow paralympians. So beautiful!<br />
<br />
When it was finally time to get ready, the hair got straightened and braided, the face was put on and the uniform was last to go on. The APC media crew even came to our floor for a few 'getting ready' shots and interviews.<br />
<br />
You could feel the excitement in the air as the Australian team assembled outside headquarters (aptly named the 'Red Centre') before taking the decent stroll to the Stadium. We are so lucky it didn't start to rain like it was earlier in the day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ391A5wv8DGjPqw9Gmh_jhCyCievii_HtMKNPyNy7ZfINcxo5f8Y-owAvOwPFxLFcmjBOZVvl-NwyqToreYpYoQuNX60YJgN8HAHrBtgDpMHmgX340eIKugcm-0u85DwDb4S5MVjOaVs/s1600/DSC01943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbU0lJuiQIUnjCpCwmaX4urzbRLbPKcPtjeWuGPkZ4bJoqC615Gtu3_1-Mg9-Ejg7Sr2682gQEStrDnL3cEm6JL5pVD448Hz2IEMelkHw0VE3w6kRmBExtm5XPHKI-M-sg4zZI0jwWy90/s1600/DSC01945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbU0lJuiQIUnjCpCwmaX4urzbRLbPKcPtjeWuGPkZ4bJoqC615Gtu3_1-Mg9-Ejg7Sr2682gQEStrDnL3cEm6JL5pVD448Hz2IEMelkHw0VE3w6kRmBExtm5XPHKI-M-sg4zZI0jwWy90/s200/DSC01945.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jlvOBufabppJ5v3I0nO3lLy2EI0lqHvyMCUMxs1jz6PcyJCumv_e64lTSsdCb7VFhSx50Jbqrc9N_XCLGZWnwWy8CjtO3OySbBYDJ_EWdCmUNPqCJ2v-l_pUDzGvrahq4CFZPlj7GOA/s1600/DSC01946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jlvOBufabppJ5v3I0nO3lLy2EI0lqHvyMCUMxs1jz6PcyJCumv_e64lTSsdCb7VFhSx50Jbqrc9N_XCLGZWnwWy8CjtO3OySbBYDJ_EWdCmUNPqCJ2v-l_pUDzGvrahq4CFZPlj7GOA/s200/DSC01946.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTb2yoprwUDWAaT1gzCAQnTVHsbOTJg6BJ7StO2JejlvLt4rKWXNQqNvozYYd2qjfX9KdemmBce702VyzqpLw-l1OnnMbaugO0e7XtxvQBO-uyPsfpHE1kqbh4xd1pw22KucVnrS_-6Q/s1600/DSC01947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTb2yoprwUDWAaT1gzCAQnTVHsbOTJg6BJ7StO2JejlvLt4rKWXNQqNvozYYd2qjfX9KdemmBce702VyzqpLw-l1OnnMbaugO0e7XtxvQBO-uyPsfpHE1kqbh4xd1pw22KucVnrS_-6Q/s200/DSC01947.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3ZhN0C4hM6rAIbUbmHngJqM6bTJXddXGriboZYDForRuFj53DpCEQKaxOxR2i_zfV3QIS2ZwwA6snCdA1SI5nWhqnXdNmmRMa3JBzaB1pFbrefIKxgz96CdBzO5aJWGVw_73MfOBqgI/s1600/DSC01955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3ZhN0C4hM6rAIbUbmHngJqM6bTJXddXGriboZYDForRuFj53DpCEQKaxOxR2i_zfV3QIS2ZwwA6snCdA1SI5nWhqnXdNmmRMa3JBzaB1pFbrefIKxgz96CdBzO5aJWGVw_73MfOBqgI/s200/DSC01955.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
In Beijing the Gliders didn't do the Opening Ceremony because we had an early game the next day. But this time we have a 6.30pm game the next day so we were allowed to do the lap of honour and then go again. It's hard to put into words the feelings felt as we went through backstage and then finally onto the track when 'Australia!' was being announced in the stadium. The roar we heard meant that sooo many of our friends and family (and fans in general) where out there in the stadium. I didn't wear my glasses so I was waving to any group of people wearing yellow shirts or were waving Aussie flags :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1K-FbLFQWHOnWUVsUECuJsp0O_t8enLf5xZChLRlSgUOmjoPCKDMBpzN4gjSOccNo2EAEImEhKnnVLzGrkOZePA4Ug-H3FUVb760-aRy4893G5VMvoDDiAzGS-9VLTXxeuer5MXs8s0/s1600/207030_4186563715298_1912336238_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1K-FbLFQWHOnWUVsUECuJsp0O_t8enLf5xZChLRlSgUOmjoPCKDMBpzN4gjSOccNo2EAEImEhKnnVLzGrkOZePA4Ug-H3FUVb760-aRy4893G5VMvoDDiAzGS-9VLTXxeuer5MXs8s0/s320/207030_4186563715298_1912336238_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuSVWzP41CVuiDswDgv5-U-9Q8rMd436ouYsrThHP5F107ObVSapcGnHXVccY3v4UhenLtlIjgASo9rEBwXdtCBR9nDTPAetpKufYeew1ZKNYM9tRFnZ9G71RPljDB43y2DPKBhIXI-o/s1600/226010_4186567835401_1594257041_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuSVWzP41CVuiDswDgv5-U-9Q8rMd436ouYsrThHP5F107ObVSapcGnHXVccY3v4UhenLtlIjgASo9rEBwXdtCBR9nDTPAetpKufYeew1ZKNYM9tRFnZ9G71RPljDB43y2DPKBhIXI-o/s320/226010_4186567835401_1594257041_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Australian team were allowed to get their cameras out after we had walked/rolled 100m after entering. I was distracted by waving to the crowd so wasn't sure how far we had pushed so who better to ask than the track athletes "have we gone past the 100m mark??". Turns out we past that mark a while ago :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycPELTZHcHNIcNtczpACkyGgrrX6Rrj9m8TOyNRGMjSYwD5wGOtlg5KXijiKeCc6zbLRNMqXJdOwe4bUX0yMyuJH-o8e5JNxOMNcWp1cwBltPNMVwtEZ-J7OMPGZInxoemmNxLnj1wBk/s1600/DSC01970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycPELTZHcHNIcNtczpACkyGgrrX6Rrj9m8TOyNRGMjSYwD5wGOtlg5KXijiKeCc6zbLRNMqXJdOwe4bUX0yMyuJH-o8e5JNxOMNcWp1cwBltPNMVwtEZ-J7OMPGZInxoemmNxLnj1wBk/s320/DSC01970.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The atmosphere was amazing. The cheers from the crowd. The dancing volunteers. The performers. The other athetes. A M A Z I N G! It was over way too soon! After doing our lap we assembled to leave the stadium again and pushed back to the athletes village for a cuppa tea before heading to our appartments to watch the rest of the ceremony. We could hear the roar when the GB team were announced where we were in the village! Sleep was needed so I didn't watch it all, but I did have the magical moment of watching the fireworks in the reflection of the windows in the apartment across from mine.<br />
<br />
I will leave you to watch a great video by the APC media team:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OWg-QkwO9hs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-83210302832597023232012-08-27T18:25:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.565+08:00London<u>August 26th</u><br />
Today we had a tour of the village run by some APC staff. This village isn't as big as the Beijing one so I think that once I get my bearings, it will be pretty easy to get around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW6FimR6F2DQH3fZBK9ukRTUsJ1GUr9Iv8L-5jOOvTYhXxV_jhm1FJ-i7QeoFn6XmN3jOAn6J9BzDGEXhZIGcevkqSsZ1mCgz5wSecLdgcHkAdqdcH1bey3B3_s4v-niWTYcrrQNaQIA/s1600/DSC01894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW6FimR6F2DQH3fZBK9ukRTUsJ1GUr9Iv8L-5jOOvTYhXxV_jhm1FJ-i7QeoFn6XmN3jOAn6J9BzDGEXhZIGcevkqSsZ1mCgz5wSecLdgcHkAdqdcH1bey3B3_s4v-niWTYcrrQNaQIA/s320/DSC01894.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The main thing I wanted to find was the salon for hair, nails and make up. After the tour three of us went back there hoping to book in to get our nails done before the Opening Ceremony. But the salon is fully booked out between now and the Opening Ceremony already! Therefore, the Gliders salon is open! I can do green, yellow or gold base colours, with the option of either green or gold shatter polish on top. I can also braid :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRgqo2taGG8CYGWgFX0kHOkLtr6QIOfveoWc-eSZ4RDPuTKN-jkiAfrxkv2IY7Gs6gZIdEXW1nLcc9JD_sXa3ItiKPcsmcq2F37ScKDL_OVZ8wZiWW8_BrhLuqaM90O2hkX0R5Wfx3wk/s1600/A1Os94ECcAAg5x5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRgqo2taGG8CYGWgFX0kHOkLtr6QIOfveoWc-eSZ4RDPuTKN-jkiAfrxkv2IY7Gs6gZIdEXW1nLcc9JD_sXa3ItiKPcsmcq2F37ScKDL_OVZ8wZiWW8_BrhLuqaM90O2hkX0R5Wfx3wk/s320/A1Os94ECcAAg5x5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXVz2QMEnjI81j8rXKFdpxSuO4gSx7x-Yh80ouljYiB0J5NJpfKOJ1mLPpy14-mNmaGjbzFkbVrTGtpDcG-NJUDIyMYAWzgKsprkzdpAqZ8RgYbncAGLLiQaiEfDot5F-AWJ9jD6mzrY/s1600/DSC01922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXVz2QMEnjI81j8rXKFdpxSuO4gSx7x-Yh80ouljYiB0J5NJpfKOJ1mLPpy14-mNmaGjbzFkbVrTGtpDcG-NJUDIyMYAWzgKsprkzdpAqZ8RgYbncAGLLiQaiEfDot5F-AWJ9jD6mzrY/s320/DSC01922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D5jbo5a2DPwMGQi6Tjbs99-V7UWtMhq_yFloy8wRKQkocpAjDFF3RCqqh8_uc0DeSHarYj4-H0UaBqo4KebgYYUzgEEENzdFLsx14T7beb2lj1SjdpOxL3SzhwQHvg2-Ez2Gu576WxI/s1600/DSC01923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D5jbo5a2DPwMGQi6Tjbs99-V7UWtMhq_yFloy8wRKQkocpAjDFF3RCqqh8_uc0DeSHarYj4-H0UaBqo4KebgYYUzgEEENzdFLsx14T7beb2lj1SjdpOxL3SzhwQHvg2-Ez2Gu576WxI/s320/DSC01923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After finding out the tragic news about the fully booked out salon I went into the merchandise store. So much stuff! I got a few things and I double checked everything to make sure I wasn't accidently buying Olympic gear (which was still in the store). I'm a <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/?q=%23ProudParalympian&src=hash" target="_blank">#ProudParalympian</a> and I want merchandise with our symbol on it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpEnqbV7_AcEu1lbo1UfMQhhd7f4RloXHeOY-IksNNx9TfkAShA9mG6sYW7X_lSJBQ8pHmoqDOBS0PsHuNKPKJWWGtUY1KQAzYFBXY4ZmOEaySJeYFW5t-uqErspvKcLMsoeUsHDnoUQ/s1600/DSC01912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpEnqbV7_AcEu1lbo1UfMQhhd7f4RloXHeOY-IksNNx9TfkAShA9mG6sYW7X_lSJBQ8pHmoqDOBS0PsHuNKPKJWWGtUY1KQAzYFBXY4ZmOEaySJeYFW5t-uqErspvKcLMsoeUsHDnoUQ/s320/DSC01912.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yiS76FopiCU_qGnEBDavTfh7HGykaeLdBETJoXA0zvEYrNYYa-Syvth7AtfBmZQZ2V38HQqJAxs8PsP8zrrXBUact-7ulV1UGEWbV0p3ffjNVRG-oFv5m6K7ZHI5TNpIkjj3K8Njz6E/s1600/DSC01914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yiS76FopiCU_qGnEBDavTfh7HGykaeLdBETJoXA0zvEYrNYYa-Syvth7AtfBmZQZ2V38HQqJAxs8PsP8zrrXBUact-7ulV1UGEWbV0p3ffjNVRG-oFv5m6K7ZHI5TNpIkjj3K8Njz6E/s200/DSC01914.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRj8iw9Y_koNUkEI7Vkb_UUUyY2cgMP6xQ79z6igLZE91O0_dwM9_N02FC51HUo4-opCoCIw0UNA5fPD0d35qrPQP8rMBXhngHxQ6csZJXU41zJrNIHI41J3ta8s0_zeIvOt0ph5JfLLI/s1600/DSC01915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRj8iw9Y_koNUkEI7Vkb_UUUyY2cgMP6xQ79z6igLZE91O0_dwM9_N02FC51HUo4-opCoCIw0UNA5fPD0d35qrPQP8rMBXhngHxQ6csZJXU41zJrNIHI41J3ta8s0_zeIvOt0ph5JfLLI/s200/DSC01915.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Myself and 3 other Gliders found the proper coffee barista in the village before taking our first trip outside the village to the Westfield next door. Oh my it is massive!! Could easily lose one another if not keeping a proper eye out. Someone gave me a dead sea salt hand scrub which did amazing things to my rough basketball hands but the price was a little out of my league so I didn't buy any.<br />
<span id="goog_637972693"></span><span id="goog_637972694"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvUarqJqGbU936w3_R8z4V6IA12awKFGJW7VLvW_I_l0x67PkEJqnx0IHb9LYPH9KDpoMeJnlr5kftJ4yR8GCaACefG4QNXR7oX2EKDr0Nq3c3gFRare15hjxJBMSgqgh4_m6K2q0S_4/s1600/DSC01910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvUarqJqGbU936w3_R8z4V6IA12awKFGJW7VLvW_I_l0x67PkEJqnx0IHb9LYPH9KDpoMeJnlr5kftJ4yR8GCaACefG4QNXR7oX2EKDr0Nq3c3gFRare15hjxJBMSgqgh4_m6K2q0S_4/s320/DSC01910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv72agN88XyOXyN3sm7AAPEDUqxQTBGEx52_xo30A75DIfIIxdUov4ccu3_g_AZXIYurhWhYesKGumSZJ68pE5w6dgIsd69MqbgMcam1c7_V-W-YTM10eEQI0IHEEGxEpzDYW1j0b61Ac/s1600/DSC01911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv72agN88XyOXyN3sm7AAPEDUqxQTBGEx52_xo30A75DIfIIxdUov4ccu3_g_AZXIYurhWhYesKGumSZJ68pE5w6dgIsd69MqbgMcam1c7_V-W-YTM10eEQI0IHEEGxEpzDYW1j0b61Ac/s320/DSC01911.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Build-a-bear has a wheelchair option!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lunch back in the village was good. I ate out of the African section. Some of the things I ate were too spicy but some other things were really nice. A good thing about the food hall is you can try something new.<br />
<br />
We then had some down time and got any treatment that we might need before going to our first training session at the Pavlova (the basketball stadium next to the Village looks like a massive square pavlova!). We had to wear our playing singlets so classifiers could watch us train and know who was who. We did the usual 'photo of our name' photo - I was very excited to be wearing my first ever Nott uniform :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfx3nLCB-IN-79AXDIaStEhqkhdWxyqw4U6iTfHExcvNwV8aFzolgZRV6Bwid4vqdMPb1y0w8itLdXu_l1Ci2EClxW4wA_wwXvst3f6NPBk0RzxAvaVMf-5uUgKPGi2pdrCJjL-N8HHQ/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfx3nLCB-IN-79AXDIaStEhqkhdWxyqw4U6iTfHExcvNwV8aFzolgZRV6Bwid4vqdMPb1y0w8itLdXu_l1Ci2EClxW4wA_wwXvst3f6NPBk0RzxAvaVMf-5uUgKPGi2pdrCJjL-N8HHQ/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After training was dinner, then recovery, then a cuppa tea then bed.<br />
<br />
<u>August 27th</u><br />
Nothing exciting today. Breakfast, lunch, video session, training session, dinner and recovery! Lots of spare time :-) <br />
<br />
- 1 day to go til the Opening Ceremony!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-8920766394309308142012-08-26T06:16:00.002+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.570+08:00Cardiff to London<u>August 23rd</u><br />
Not much happened on the 23rd - training, shopping, eating, recovering. We also packed the bag we are sending back in the first round of freighting back to Australia. Choosing which things could be sent back early was a bit of a task. It is slow freight so they get back home a few weeks after we do. Anything I might need when I get home I had to pack in the bag going to London.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-ieS68yOQj9UBd99i_NJ_TblJ7oJEJeY5MQg8nMWeONmDs1WTYFcIf_Iugb9LoaDeyENxYchicpVXZsOKMjbt3Ftz8_tnKCtT7DstU92NHn3ZQ2dxlKfLN6XNHtgE95gAAxp-M05MDk/s1600/bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-ieS68yOQj9UBd99i_NJ_TblJ7oJEJeY5MQg8nMWeONmDs1WTYFcIf_Iugb9LoaDeyENxYchicpVXZsOKMjbt3Ftz8_tnKCtT7DstU92NHn3ZQ2dxlKfLN6XNHtgE95gAAxp-M05MDk/s200/bus.jpg" width="200" /></a><u>August 24th</u><br />
This morning we said goodbye to the bag going back to Australia. I then went shopping for a jacket with no brand name (a 'touring London' jacket). I also ended up getting the London Bus Thomas Sabo charm to represent my time at the 2012 Paralympics. They didn't have any Welsh charms which is a shame - the lady there said they would be a sell out. I told her TS should make a basketball charm - they would be a sell out too!<br />
<br />
After training, recovery and showers we had a team dinner at Pizza Express - the same restaurant as the one we went to in Manchester! The night was a special night for us because it was our last night in Cardiff so we declared this night Gliders Goldlows night (also doubled up with the Glider's Karaoke Night)! So we all dressed up in whatever gold outfit that we had brought along with us to dinner. I went a little nuts at Supre before I left Perth so I managed to outfit me and one other Glider with suitable Goldlows outfits. While at dinner, BK and I practiced our skit for the first time. We got a couple of weird looks from the other diners :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuo3I5HSWlawuWuLtOy7RXOdw5lkueXZuHPLh6XpL8z7b3u_f6Uf6rZH6RjToKRAAO5dAUGXY6EW_Tf85hdn9oCCINXgPQs_fY3F3tFzCWhh-DdLycNpvskVVocC7sHtebj1wLelMPWw/s1600/DSC01786+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuo3I5HSWlawuWuLtOy7RXOdw5lkueXZuHPLh6XpL8z7b3u_f6Uf6rZH6RjToKRAAO5dAUGXY6EW_Tf85hdn9oCCINXgPQs_fY3F3tFzCWhh-DdLycNpvskVVocC7sHtebj1wLelMPWw/s320/DSC01786+-+Copy.JPG" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mg3esFvrdiCpJ2Rjhw7YgefVXXxPp1UDjj0exouMnA5-0sp7cg9Zy7u7GLn8V6MWM0mw0Rn4z6D7Ofjd11W9cD-0xQkYz8HYDi7OV5_58eOV5wCuIQkCGQyf1Umx_7ZMefxCH4r3ruk/s1600/DSC01782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mg3esFvrdiCpJ2Rjhw7YgefVXXxPp1UDjj0exouMnA5-0sp7cg9Zy7u7GLn8V6MWM0mw0Rn4z6D7Ofjd11W9cD-0xQkYz8HYDi7OV5_58eOV5wCuIQkCGQyf1Umx_7ZMefxCH4r3ruk/s320/DSC01782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After dinner we went back to our hotel where the karaoke was set up where all the athletes have dinner. This was a bit of a surprise to us Gliders because we weren't expecting a large audience (the Rugby boys weren't expecting to come back from training to a dining hall full of singing and dancing Gliders!). But it ended up being good because the more laughs the better and we even had people from the mens basketball team, womens goalball team, track and field, APC administration and the Cardiff volunteers join in on the fun as well!<br />
<br />
BK and I had a great time doing our skit. It basically involved me sitting on her lap with my arms behind her and my legs tucked away under a blanket (that was also covering BK's head). We danced and sang to the Proclaimers "I will walk 500 miles" - and by dance I mean BK moved her legs around to look like their mine and by singing I mean singing along to the chorus because I didn't know the verses and the words weren't up on the tv. We got a lot of laughs so I'm glad our skit was well received. I didn't even care when my legs became uncovered from the blanket and were bouncing around to make it look like I had four legs :)<br />
<br />
The staff did a brilliant rendition of ABBA's Mamma Mia and I helped a group of people with the Spice Girl's Wannabe. AM was a crowd favourite (lets face it - she was the only one of us who could actually sing!) and sang a few numbers. Our manager did an appropriate solo song - "I did it my way". Oh, and the low pointers sang "I will survive". So in total, I was involved in 3 different songs. Which is quite surprising since I didn't really organise anything beforehand.<br />
<br />
Midway through the karaoke night the Gliders Players Player for the Arnhem tournament was announced - congrats to SC!! We also voted for our best dressed - I won! Woo hoo! I'd like to thank Supre for their cheap and disgusting gold clothes and Accesorize for my sparkly gold shoes :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5CEZlb8V2dcKC-leehJj0Jdg5s80ug7FKuyQRo9sPcJbZBGrk7Hz5skE3mP6q8bj2pHUY2yFgDCBDSoZ_XLTWq579apTjO8CzTIPKhhsszzValxfWUuK2sTXbm-e_lYL2laPeza_rUY/s1600/558407_10151034486276378_1820481182_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5CEZlb8V2dcKC-leehJj0Jdg5s80ug7FKuyQRo9sPcJbZBGrk7Hz5skE3mP6q8bj2pHUY2yFgDCBDSoZ_XLTWq579apTjO8CzTIPKhhsszzValxfWUuK2sTXbm-e_lYL2laPeza_rUY/s320/558407_10151034486276378_1820481182_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My shoes and my trophy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Afterwards we had to pack our bags ready to leave for London the next day.<br />
<br />
<u>August 25th</u> <br />
I'm glad we were only going on a bus and not a plane because my bag was HEAVY!! It took a few goes to close my bag - even with me putting some towels in SV's bag and carrying my toiletries and shoes with me on the bus. I have decided I will buy a small bag to take with me back home and freight the big Australian bag home to arrive several weeks after me.<br />
<br />
We took the long drive to London, stopping once half way. It wasn't that bad of a trip. The only bad bit being me falling asleep on my arms and waking up with the worst tingling in my fingers. Took some time to get the feeling back.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LtRaZMe_iYYdTOn_qIX4IR3nF78UI6A8nQVkPnm81hSWGekX_hLSjcuJ560-yd5etyjQNJqZ0sIt8tCLdM0__4xY-x2ZXExMTCQ9eJRsfgN2iQaWsDPdkvTJwb58AqgbIztk-7R5pqo/s1600/DSC01869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LtRaZMe_iYYdTOn_qIX4IR3nF78UI6A8nQVkPnm81hSWGekX_hLSjcuJ560-yd5etyjQNJqZ0sIt8tCLdM0__4xY-x2ZXExMTCQ9eJRsfgN2iQaWsDPdkvTJwb58AqgbIztk-7R5pqo/s320/DSC01869.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SS and I - bus buddies for a few hours</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The driver took us on a bit of a tour before going to the Village. We
went past Big Ben, Parliament, the London Eye, the Abbey, and the Tower
of London (which isn't very tower-ish) before finally driving into the
Athletes Village. It is amazing! Much bigger and better than Beijing. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4w8hi6D-85Q6StS_dPbQ2GA1H91mAgF6IlpaV6qcZkgarSpTsOyhTcKBwyL5cNIao5dgj1oB31Gzl5OaYwXGuNqDu4lKpwAJcl9kkufo4OtXDRBAPrULHuv4A7BvS89YvU1seNlBO9Y/s1600/DSC01849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4w8hi6D-85Q6StS_dPbQ2GA1H91mAgF6IlpaV6qcZkgarSpTsOyhTcKBwyL5cNIao5dgj1oB31Gzl5OaYwXGuNqDu4lKpwAJcl9kkufo4OtXDRBAPrULHuv4A7BvS89YvU1seNlBO9Y/s320/DSC01849.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra large Benjamin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHVWShT-tamb0pcG6iPBku2gN8JpNRKsKpYw80PfAhwORG1K-aHczviLmKA4qOEav9imXl6-cRqfvg4jdR5wD5l0D5VikoUmbHeKmN_8KDsMmztN4iKDpNyqpNKl4Q9LXGXk74Or6pQ8/s1600/DSC01858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHVWShT-tamb0pcG6iPBku2gN8JpNRKsKpYw80PfAhwORG1K-aHczviLmKA4qOEav9imXl6-cRqfvg4jdR5wD5l0D5VikoUmbHeKmN_8KDsMmztN4iKDpNyqpNKl4Q9LXGXk74Or6pQ8/s320/DSC01858.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Eye - much bigger than the one I went on in Perth!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Od9PYDwWezecRTxzrwWe4uJdJgvbRbR48QJSG3tWhPI2ctOGD33L4qMfiPc3ujp50se9XHZh3QiHEDd7q58DBdOBmfzTnZ7e1xG7wZiDPnkm3OlpCMUM92EdBCBpX5XiFQid9h25HeU/s1600/DSC01864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Od9PYDwWezecRTxzrwWe4uJdJgvbRbR48QJSG3tWhPI2ctOGD33L4qMfiPc3ujp50se9XHZh3QiHEDd7q58DBdOBmfzTnZ7e1xG7wZiDPnkm3OlpCMUM92EdBCBpX5XiFQid9h25HeU/s320/DSC01864.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Tower of London</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since arriving I haven't explored much. I have unpacked my bag, had some treatment done by MW and had dinner. Dinner! The food hall is amazing! It's really hard to pick what you want to eat and it's hard to go back for more! I had asian tonight. Rice with a veggies, cashue and coconut curry sauce and some chinese broccoli and noodles. Yum! Tomorrow night I might try the carvery :)<br />
<br />
Unfortunately there are a few rules about uploading photo's and footage of various places around the Village - so for now, I won't upload any. Instead I will end with this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JTiDO--q9Xg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
- 3 days to go til the opening ceremony!!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-11804720049987758592012-08-23T06:26:00.001+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.540+08:00Cardiff, Wales - August 22ndToday was a great day for me.<br />
<br />
Firstly, I thought I had lost my Nokia last night so I took my iPhone out of it's rice bag and it works!! Secondly, I talked with the driver of the bus yesterday and he found my Nokia in his bus! I was so excited I gave him a hug. Lastly, the Gliders have been verified on Twitter! <a href="https://twitter.com/clarenott10" target="_blank">@clarenott10</a> has officially been verified to be mine. <a href="https://support.twitter.com/articles/119135-faqs-about-verified-accounts" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to find out more about verification.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRiE4voUcWjv1fR9H5ntHM2iRC8vEVAnIqkaN5uwmgVNY7YsisjwjSdYtGsc-rcnMg4FOMcTR2hTBsiq607jhqqM_kbx9uoSo7rVKqvuOWjP3yDm8KRiDBK_YR9WYgJgOE5U2oAJYAG8/s1600/DSC01778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRiE4voUcWjv1fR9H5ntHM2iRC8vEVAnIqkaN5uwmgVNY7YsisjwjSdYtGsc-rcnMg4FOMcTR2hTBsiq607jhqqM_kbx9uoSo7rVKqvuOWjP3yDm8KRiDBK_YR9WYgJgOE5U2oAJYAG8/s320/DSC01778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We then had a free morning. I try to get a soccor shirt from each city/country that I go to for my husband. In Cardiff they have the Cardiff City Football Club and yesterday I was told that the only place to buy their merchandise is to go to their official store at the stadium. So after breakfast I spoke with the transport people to ask where it was and what the best way to get there would be and the bus driver who was sitting nearby said he would take us! So SV and I jumped on an empty bus and were driven to the stadium and were dropped off right by the merchandise store. The bus driver then gave me his mobile number to call him when we were done. 15 minutes later we were getting back on the bus to go back to the Hilton.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_UB-yM-RjMePIOxp76E5PAZvTNkPJiJxdB_6F3HNoaquL9HOLIucBFF9OLOxdKglap9alnP1svx-KdMy4Svc6ofN8tjwvenhyphenhyphenOkfLuCci8ghvO_N2zv-tpA6xXN8fMqXxf3cMZGdynk/s1600/DSC01774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_UB-yM-RjMePIOxp76E5PAZvTNkPJiJxdB_6F3HNoaquL9HOLIucBFF9OLOxdKglap9alnP1svx-KdMy4Svc6ofN8tjwvenhyphenhyphenOkfLuCci8ghvO_N2zv-tpA6xXN8fMqXxf3cMZGdynk/s320/DSC01774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHOwed-Pk7aNf8kzer00ElLmS04hJTB8QO5D51DBNQf2D1CkKE3N9ceEDb7PFBWZkflUrKFDamBtyT1KrPMXVcut7-IMaCljdoXRWZwkVPlhyphenhyphen38f9iToly-ap9BiagwQjNZuB9jIGPZg/s1600/DSC01776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHOwed-Pk7aNf8kzer00ElLmS04hJTB8QO5D51DBNQf2D1CkKE3N9ceEDb7PFBWZkflUrKFDamBtyT1KrPMXVcut7-IMaCljdoXRWZwkVPlhyphenhyphen38f9iToly-ap9BiagwQjNZuB9jIGPZg/s320/DSC01776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After that I took SV shoe shopping which was fun. I bought a pair of shoes yesterday so didn't need to spend any more money but it was fun to help someone else spend their money :-)<br />
<br />
In the afternoon we had our first on court session. We had a great session. High intensity - just the way we like it! After that we had recovery with JV, then dinner, then a team meeting followed by video footage in small groups.<br />
<br />
Not long now people! Don't forget to check out Telstra Hero Messaging in order to send the Paralympic team as a whole or individual athletes support messages. It means a lot to hear from people back home. The Gliders have been away from home for over a week now so make sure you send us a message! If you want to send us a message <a href="http://www.telstra.com.au/latest-offers/olympics-aus/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> and then click on the big yellow and green 'Send a Telstra Heromessage', then find 'wheelchair basketball - women' in the first drop down menu. Then you can choose to either send a message to the whole team or find an individual player in the second drop down menu.<br />
<br />
- 6 days to go til the Opening Ceremony!!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-69164701609308765192012-08-21T21:16:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.562+08:00Cardiff, Wales<u>20 August 2012</u><br />
Today was a very exciting today because one of the first things we got to do (apart from breakfast!) was to get our Australian Paralympic team uniform! We had already seen it in Sydney but to finally get it was very exciting. There were some Welsh seamstresses there to do any alterations. My jeans and another pair of pants will be re-hemed and I swaped my opening and closing ceremony blouse for a bigger one.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1v1glbrFU5YCOWDwOTsB2iFCw9abYf7FCwjdUeuhbLleBdfjorYkrH3fZRkB3YnCTf4UpvJRGUhWAyc5AZodno39gt8ShKBZVevdBGf-gk7D_zRU-6tIiKx_xB7dAaCeQKIY_Liji-8/s1600/DSC01691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1v1glbrFU5YCOWDwOTsB2iFCw9abYf7FCwjdUeuhbLleBdfjorYkrH3fZRkB3YnCTf4UpvJRGUhWAyc5AZodno39gt8ShKBZVevdBGf-gk7D_zRU-6tIiKx_xB7dAaCeQKIY_Liji-8/s320/DSC01691.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">310 is my 'admin' number on the Australian team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh yeah, I also managed to get some rice for my iPhone. It will now spend probably the rest of this tour in a bag surrounded by rice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTrrnj89qGzUSl3Vk-jSu2NDWOFm2l8zST72TqYtGseGPnNXJ9K87fjUXdVccQ0U26sjpyfEbxxFUG1LgGB0FRGcCelNykVmqJ111rjMa1RLOkri1d6vqE3NEENNCpAmmUr4MryuCv2o/s1600/DSC01681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTrrnj89qGzUSl3Vk-jSu2NDWOFm2l8zST72TqYtGseGPnNXJ9K87fjUXdVccQ0U26sjpyfEbxxFUG1LgGB0FRGcCelNykVmqJ111rjMa1RLOkri1d6vqE3NEENNCpAmmUr4MryuCv2o/s320/DSC01681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After lunch I went with TM and SS for a wander to find the laundry mat. We had a map in our welcome package but it was a little difficult navigating the streets when the street names are slightly hidden. Along the way we found a street performer dressed top to toe in gold and had some photos with him. The Gliders get a bit excited when we see gold :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDzW8TDlTA8bCRu8uoVq2oJ0jubo-snIpYglGrP9NdYiLSd_BIG_QIXZTLD9aFK8Yv7iD1KYARhxy83qJJ4gpZn3jP1KYHZ3Oe9XnxiqI8OC1P_EMNDkZOVnbTLNuFADF7TEaopwkMVg/s1600/DSC01692+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDzW8TDlTA8bCRu8uoVq2oJ0jubo-snIpYglGrP9NdYiLSd_BIG_QIXZTLD9aFK8Yv7iD1KYARhxy83qJJ4gpZn3jP1KYHZ3Oe9XnxiqI8OC1P_EMNDkZOVnbTLNuFADF7TEaopwkMVg/s320/DSC01692+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We eventually found the laundry and wandered the streets around it while we waited for the clothes to wash and dry. There wasn't much to see, mainly terrace houses and a few small food shops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFkUeusVse-THFEB-CJA0A2qJU4qerMv3hYrVU1QrXEEJ1K8S-yqKHKxKUiocuKobq6Moh56NXH6GPxnBksk86sQDNpIMVT19KBUFG-jMkbrO5S-Pd5Qau9nsPOgD-JVs6EHiAx482C4/s1600/DSC01696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFkUeusVse-THFEB-CJA0A2qJU4qerMv3hYrVU1QrXEEJ1K8S-yqKHKxKUiocuKobq6Moh56NXH6GPxnBksk86sQDNpIMVT19KBUFG-jMkbrO5S-Pd5Qau9nsPOgD-JVs6EHiAx482C4/s320/DSC01696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKymFOdjcbZiBKPX4QhqP0rDj5QmA7MYH3lztXJBPgqYGwt63OttQF2fZI3oLQSNH3xA0vGoCEM2fwFBTbY58GCuH-jF5byIP1dFvG6XfeubWMxtI4GaTtmjuV3xmqkV9FmLkGbtYyS5U/s1600/DSC01708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKymFOdjcbZiBKPX4QhqP0rDj5QmA7MYH3lztXJBPgqYGwt63OttQF2fZI3oLQSNH3xA0vGoCEM2fwFBTbY58GCuH-jF5byIP1dFvG6XfeubWMxtI4GaTtmjuV3xmqkV9FmLkGbtYyS5U/s320/DSC01708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4L6C-GC_kapMNqWwa4_tirTwqqTNswC2eDFRclGDvZjJZI_PFgDdw35YiQq1bG-9SDke7oyWLze8vvYu9hWBxOtH689LSv-y6FHjU0G_hsSY96cX_DI5-Yk4r7gKtibXZESi5DJn_MWk/s1600/DSC01712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4L6C-GC_kapMNqWwa4_tirTwqqTNswC2eDFRclGDvZjJZI_PFgDdw35YiQq1bG-9SDke7oyWLze8vvYu9hWBxOtH689LSv-y6FHjU0G_hsSY96cX_DI5-Yk4r7gKtibXZESi5DJn_MWk/s320/DSC01712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On the way back I found the O2 shop and got a UK sim card. I have 15 pounds worth of calls and texts but apparently it is free O2 to O2 so that much credit should last me a while. It costs me 10 pence to text an Australian number. I didn't bother getting a data package because my old Nokia doesn't need it. So no instagram photos from me unless I do it on my Iconia and upload them when I get to the Village.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWo7uLNIek2Z6E1nZU91Jkh7uxgL7ygnQC8poAB1JahILTUifw9nm5odONF6FyXcwbefB-gS2-ni49_njpUvZabQwbg0xhPsVA_j174v8NZv6zuexK8I-ypP9ersTvMwRTBEiZSS9zLQ/s1600/DSC01715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWo7uLNIek2Z6E1nZU91Jkh7uxgL7ygnQC8poAB1JahILTUifw9nm5odONF6FyXcwbefB-gS2-ni49_njpUvZabQwbg0xhPsVA_j174v8NZv6zuexK8I-ypP9ersTvMwRTBEiZSS9zLQ/s320/DSC01715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I hung my washing up (I didnt do the dry option) and then potted around for a while before starting to get ready for the Team Reception at the Town Hall. It was at this moment that I realised I had washed my APC polo so had to sit there blow drying it dry. It was still a little bit moist when I had to wear it.<br />
<br />
Qantas put on a small reception at the Town Hall across the road from the Hilton where we are staying. We mingled and schmoozed and ate a little bit of finger food if you were lucky for a waiter to walk past you. We then were given the nod to leave and had some photos in front of the Paralympic symbol (the Paralympic agitos) which stands proudly outside of the Town Hall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wAXa3BAPrI5d5YG8NZB_ec0I80UfFcqEwgoMSQsunkPZ0BL30W9MRNxKEO7AWH3HZyU2-fHO_d5wqtuWKhaK_sCnh456UpW-ma8nV2LYLsKdAdiNE6DzudcLFanleno5Bl3he6G6Rdk/s1600/DSC01721+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wAXa3BAPrI5d5YG8NZB_ec0I80UfFcqEwgoMSQsunkPZ0BL30W9MRNxKEO7AWH3HZyU2-fHO_d5wqtuWKhaK_sCnh456UpW-ma8nV2LYLsKdAdiNE6DzudcLFanleno5Bl3he6G6Rdk/s320/DSC01721+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwheqwOvmzb3xBU_WR5YgPX9cX4Eu6F9-5l0A7zRQ61vBwSBNFFPPu7tu0IDgAw930fo4pAYjYAWDXKvq5DnzqPyzzqnB81O0rgOqLupoQFc6BtxNeI3PtgIzlfx2C232-WnoLisqoMg/s1600/DSC01723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwheqwOvmzb3xBU_WR5YgPX9cX4Eu6F9-5l0A7zRQ61vBwSBNFFPPu7tu0IDgAw930fo4pAYjYAWDXKvq5DnzqPyzzqnB81O0rgOqLupoQFc6BtxNeI3PtgIzlfx2C232-WnoLisqoMg/s320/DSC01723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dinner followed and then I went back to my room and spend a long time opening up all the packets of uniform and putting my name and team number on them in laundry marker. I had a bit of a 'blonde' moment when I realised I was trying to find a tag to write my name on my playing singlet. Duh!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcrx40044amWIZ2eoFlzUAcd3lFqrYCEQE23Nca_vObSRVOcx0X21-d-vNUwn4t6AHz9-obWgQ0G13g9yLGEYADMHSh-LciqRhOPt6_ksUB-Jm-sm_OKAjm03ljrgneDyE83dz0rbNEA/s1600/DSC01730+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcrx40044amWIZ2eoFlzUAcd3lFqrYCEQE23Nca_vObSRVOcx0X21-d-vNUwn4t6AHz9-obWgQ0G13g9yLGEYADMHSh-LciqRhOPt6_ksUB-Jm-sm_OKAjm03ljrgneDyE83dz0rbNEA/s320/DSC01730+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first playing singlet with 'NOTT' as my name!! So proud!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I then got a call from my Aunty who coincidently has one night in Cardiff on the tour she has been on for a while. So I was able to catch up with her in the foyer of the Hilton. It was then time for bed but sleep was delayed due to the singing on the streets below.<br />
<br />
<u>21 August 2012</u><br />
<br />
Today was a very important day for the Australian team. It was the day the opening ceremony flag bearer was announced! The entire Australian team wandered over to Cardiff Castle where we gathered surrounded by what reminded me of Game of Thrones - a magestic castle with green lawns, cobblestone pathways and remants of stocks and a catapault!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qKaiF5vb5lbXTvQQZiHFi0DY6jNOt4qg2FPDU-1cgPIpPLhzOruGJZ7oHwh5OO1EpyejTHK5qgLpe3Grm-1f1y3qdVwQck2lrDqNotZP4LTLagQb9nYsHT6w7ak_ajmsHaFdCpQsKeQ/s1600/DSC01741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qKaiF5vb5lbXTvQQZiHFi0DY6jNOt4qg2FPDU-1cgPIpPLhzOruGJZ7oHwh5OO1EpyejTHK5qgLpe3Grm-1f1y3qdVwQck2lrDqNotZP4LTLagQb9nYsHT6w7ak_ajmsHaFdCpQsKeQ/s320/DSC01741.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aussie team on their way to the Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ92Os4v8lUV-9cVac2uHml3TwQ5CA0uBfITcxMaGxnw83DJ_ezikutxxDWGGaWJ-2xmy8poGXYFDX-l3JQYjvgLPR5OMRUPv4094syLAhrYA9Fsi0bTwIuIrTEEGyrOStTqPi5S_IJ8/s1600/DSC01747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ92Os4v8lUV-9cVac2uHml3TwQ5CA0uBfITcxMaGxnw83DJ_ezikutxxDWGGaWJ-2xmy8poGXYFDX-l3JQYjvgLPR5OMRUPv4094syLAhrYA9Fsi0bTwIuIrTEEGyrOStTqPi5S_IJ8/s320/DSC01747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have fans!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAQSuQGTEsg9DvWT5Vd-I6qJYfCTEf5S6NyVcwJ8qRZEA6CVDbzKVnWD9l6UTAHfpEdGSJUJPkOwcTdpIT5Z0GJWW3jszkut7r_t-KjiDq782r_OQnau6FEWFYF8kpkSwwifmPEilJB0/s1600/DSC01751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAQSuQGTEsg9DvWT5Vd-I6qJYfCTEf5S6NyVcwJ8qRZEA6CVDbzKVnWD9l6UTAHfpEdGSJUJPkOwcTdpIT5Z0GJWW3jszkut7r_t-KjiDq782r_OQnau6FEWFYF8kpkSwwifmPEilJB0/s320/DSC01751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqcQHTgsd8ItHyJMHAyhs_S8ec0GZfMYe9jqFh3bUUVy08UKinD_x6gyt54CI4-HpmREzKecRqtesL2JoUim0qTRowVpkybV1WLaRaKmimuMkxsZ2K6l6C3yyNIc5EQR34YZvWK0ArAM/s1600/DSC01753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqcQHTgsd8ItHyJMHAyhs_S8ec0GZfMYe9jqFh3bUUVy08UKinD_x6gyt54CI4-HpmREzKecRqtesL2JoUim0qTRowVpkybV1WLaRaKmimuMkxsZ2K6l6C3yyNIc5EQR34YZvWK0ArAM/s320/DSC01753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV1RBNuM2V-YKJbZl4pcqRnqrDTGpdZ8dXmk17ziflSdkct1FRbZj4wK-XgVgY7XBB2A2oRjE2TInd9pybXO0MZnOynUzRxPdSBeKuiN0cSMyByDRalIvDiZNVWvswZ6prLm-hAF8L4c/s1600/DSC01754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV1RBNuM2V-YKJbZl4pcqRnqrDTGpdZ8dXmk17ziflSdkct1FRbZj4wK-XgVgY7XBB2A2oRjE2TInd9pybXO0MZnOynUzRxPdSBeKuiN0cSMyByDRalIvDiZNVWvswZ6prLm-hAF8L4c/s320/DSC01754.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The announcement was opened by a choir group called Only Men Aloud who apparently won some UK TV show. After some speeches we had a surprise visit by Australian band Ice House who also performed for us twice. To be honest, I didn't know who Ice House were until they started singing Heroes and Great Southern Land. I took some footage which you can see below. Unfortunately there was a particular photographer who kept getting in the way and I was very shakey when I got a bit excited and was turning around to talk to people and forgot to keep my hand straight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aA-hZjEhQAI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/l6JJj8VBpwk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/QP4pZe4glJ8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Wheelchair rugby player Greg Smith was announced as our flag bearer for the opening ceremony and it was great to see how humbled he was to be the chosen one. Only Men Aloud sang our National anthem while Greg sat there practicing for the opening ceremony :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHZxXD4mdps_H5IYkVUJPbBoQChLMU5IJbeoLCmzobgEuJUgQsQ5FNroEiR_Gvo0Pd9IP9shoFR62foXEOZM9tubP9xFw9f4S7N9GtDYzg5b8Eps6rXjNtl8_jPT_kTxKg07sHA1p7e4/s1600/DSC01763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHZxXD4mdps_H5IYkVUJPbBoQChLMU5IJbeoLCmzobgEuJUgQsQ5FNroEiR_Gvo0Pd9IP9shoFR62foXEOZM9tubP9xFw9f4S7N9GtDYzg5b8Eps6rXjNtl8_jPT_kTxKg07sHA1p7e4/s320/DSC01763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Afterwards I went shopping and bought a pair of shoes when I was actually trying to find a Cardiff City Football club playing jersey. Apparently I need to go to the actual stadium merchandise store to get one because they wont sell the shirts in sport shops til later in the year.<br />
<br />
We had lunch at 12.30 and I am now sitting here on the comp typing up this. I might go for another wonder around the shops before meeting up with the other Gliders for a video session. We have a gym session later today.<br />
<br />
- 8 days til the Paralympics!!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-68090906316539142342012-08-21T00:09:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.561+08:00Arnhem, Netherlands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOepVrxN_3-7Fes6P-UA1qY_T9F78u_OBTF7bjqH1gpK3efMuI0u79zB0ZBN8nLB5yqgMnvfb9Cnk6jbpotZWHIKFOyceiVCZULnlSauK-hyNEO2p9QEpfPuWlvK76wABLzYUleq0WlS8/s1600/DSC01658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOepVrxN_3-7Fes6P-UA1qY_T9F78u_OBTF7bjqH1gpK3efMuI0u79zB0ZBN8nLB5yqgMnvfb9Cnk6jbpotZWHIKFOyceiVCZULnlSauK-hyNEO2p9QEpfPuWlvK76wABLzYUleq0WlS8/s320/DSC01658.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This probably won't be very detailed because I should have written something each day rather than wait til today.<br />
<br />
<u>16 August 2012</u><br />
Our first game was against Canada. The Gliders played with foggy brains after all the travel that we did the day before but despite the fact we lost the game, we were still happy with our effort. We fought all the way til the end of the game. Later in the day we played the Great Britain girls and we won that game.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13gNhbSDG2aeMmAtzEes5Em1lvONai9cGm1YTIXb61rpzLvn96uHizYgGY27ygnfp2RXuCaBpU0V6kkep738mYiXKtkq4K2v_c3SR7fhVy75BNLQIEHpI91qjJsWnL5Tux2_THfuYukE/s1600/428782_3510843809907_1927473399_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13gNhbSDG2aeMmAtzEes5Em1lvONai9cGm1YTIXb61rpzLvn96uHizYgGY27ygnfp2RXuCaBpU0V6kkep738mYiXKtkq4K2v_c3SR7fhVy75BNLQIEHpI91qjJsWnL5Tux2_THfuYukE/s320/428782_3510843809907_1927473399_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>17 August 2012</u><br />
On the second day of competition we played against the Netherlands. Unfortunately we lost that game, but it was close right til the end! I think that playing three games within 48 hours of traveling took our energy levels by surprise. But these games have given us experiences that we can take into the Paralympics and be better off for it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNviIX4DWmB8vYRJ5ZJOoySGhzdn1NkRL-v2mbJ72dbZ5wMQF-C8MGaYpk-crsq59p4-UU9e5GLKH_43OnHw4TPAY65QHnLOn2xorDT2Tfmo98r6LHClwKg2ImyQhUFw8bbWsCi_C82Q8/s1600/557337_3516876280715_445128599_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNviIX4DWmB8vYRJ5ZJOoySGhzdn1NkRL-v2mbJ72dbZ5wMQF-C8MGaYpk-crsq59p4-UU9e5GLKH_43OnHw4TPAY65QHnLOn2xorDT2Tfmo98r6LHClwKg2ImyQhUFw8bbWsCi_C82Q8/s320/557337_3516876280715_445128599_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game face! Not a glamorous sport :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>18 August 2012</u><br />
We played the Mexicans at 8.30 in the morning. We got the win over them quite easily. The rest of the day we were able to have off which was very nice especially with the amazing weather that the Netherlands was giving us. The Netherlands Olympic Committee facility is surrounded by a golf course and woods.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcJpgTDvaymhqnIINlvwLG5S0ow5lklzpqg0Ny2vUfqAlerZqO5JLfqtQ3mWTGsohuE-qiuYDXXsTa_RJJkyfGkS1k0kBFYXDizztInIp3hNc3sctk4JG-YMVdLY5AxH3E_2ohf1m-GE/s1600/420110_3516939922306_601946596_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcJpgTDvaymhqnIINlvwLG5S0ow5lklzpqg0Ny2vUfqAlerZqO5JLfqtQ3mWTGsohuE-qiuYDXXsTa_RJJkyfGkS1k0kBFYXDizztInIp3hNc3sctk4JG-YMVdLY5AxH3E_2ohf1m-GE/s320/420110_3516939922306_601946596_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 'don't mess with me' face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkiRnplWzpyqXrmRoiExiPnQ6X6nSd-waztxXqRYnmufwtmwFO8czRwbkM1KNoKq7j89LecaZ4ikNpHmoTtYWAX6eSZcpiEljHSJ03ENGk9aJ4pfchIBqKrRzbdsLZIwu92uNC6tFncI/s1600/406176_10151016084036378_742813599_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkiRnplWzpyqXrmRoiExiPnQ6X6nSd-waztxXqRYnmufwtmwFO8czRwbkM1KNoKq7j89LecaZ4ikNpHmoTtYWAX6eSZcpiEljHSJ03ENGk9aJ4pfchIBqKrRzbdsLZIwu92uNC6tFncI/s320/406176_10151016084036378_742813599_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XBZLwMssGkDJkEOnAb3Ws4IqAHiiJD99bnn7nsphUE_wQX9iX-anXz99o7aA9C6fu8-MXCcw4K72aZnhCXXncE9Y8M4NFDrZv3MX9hUmxnUX6KjyMWk7Rw_0oSEw7awLqOA6_NNwpEo/s1600/480037_10150960009750895_479287631_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XBZLwMssGkDJkEOnAb3Ws4IqAHiiJD99bnn7nsphUE_wQX9iX-anXz99o7aA9C6fu8-MXCcw4K72aZnhCXXncE9Y8M4NFDrZv3MX9hUmxnUX6KjyMWk7Rw_0oSEw7awLqOA6_NNwpEo/s320/480037_10150960009750895_479287631_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>19 August 2012</u><br />
Last day in Amsterdam! We played off for third against the GB girls and won! This wasn't a tournament that needed medals so after our games we showered, packed our bags, watched the Netherlands beat Canada and then got on the bus to leave.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVDi8OSDEXRBvRoQpxjLCFRh-RSjOhE4wAFRBoa2ryD8HlwjIa-BuqjhAmIlw2mIxnrOvz45KAi08Chzd_zqUlM0WNUEcwoILh9FJi_R02E8oydsJ1prr1usJ7jW3ceTLdzLi6Nbp96c/s1600/417265_3516968603023_1877345396_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVDi8OSDEXRBvRoQpxjLCFRh-RSjOhE4wAFRBoa2ryD8HlwjIa-BuqjhAmIlw2mIxnrOvz45KAi08Chzd_zqUlM0WNUEcwoILh9FJi_R02E8oydsJ1prr1usJ7jW3ceTLdzLi6Nbp96c/s320/417265_3516968603023_1877345396_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you to Matt Wells for all the great on court photos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just before getting on the bus I dropped my iPhone in the toilet (was in my lap when I transferred) - I got it out quick smart but it won't register my touch :-( With no time to go find rice, I took out my sim card, shook out as much water as I could, then shoved it sadly away into my bag. Before leaving Australia I had the thought that I would put a UK sim card in an old Nokia and keep my Aussie sim card in my iPhone. So at least I have a phone to use for txting.<br />
<br />
The Gliders had a nice surprise when boarding the plane to London - British Airways upgraded us to business class! So the Aussie girls and GB girls had a very spacious 45minute flight to London.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH25OePzLBO5XYg0j43ppKpXeHdKEXM3XfwWQIWTE5Vp27GJvET_X8vXVC_TITKHMcdK9VZYRdZPBckFv9qpm5rBsJ1NXpKJywjmO7S_iW-X27OMelhhZVlNAuASB4OJZS-oMgloeN_d0/s1600/DSC01667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH25OePzLBO5XYg0j43ppKpXeHdKEXM3XfwWQIWTE5Vp27GJvET_X8vXVC_TITKHMcdK9VZYRdZPBckFv9qpm5rBsJ1NXpKJywjmO7S_iW-X27OMelhhZVlNAuASB4OJZS-oMgloeN_d0/s320/DSC01667.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much leg space!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzabCOYtEBf6ph2MOdOwvzrjoB3XPTfUPd3W3TfZGd3zadGI7J6ksgi1PQCcEjOJ1FFV1pqBOpmbLnxx4Yv3EUvxgxl9KPJY-FXAAJBZas_u_W_yYM6Yi71lkHRYFaoUu30306M4uQD8/s1600/DSC01668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzabCOYtEBf6ph2MOdOwvzrjoB3XPTfUPd3W3TfZGd3zadGI7J6ksgi1PQCcEjOJ1FFV1pqBOpmbLnxx4Yv3EUvxgxl9KPJY-FXAAJBZas_u_W_yYM6Yi71lkHRYFaoUu30306M4uQD8/s320/DSC01668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice surprise always brings a smile to a Glider's face :-)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF2OrZt7zK_JhuPo5wKihlYzQfu9a2Iwo1tQo-txUJaQnSJ8bkt3v7BqeFxBionUuynWgAmJK1eZqP1CsOAB27mulHClr7xSXXMk7fM9gyQg-TvCcWgfjpNvDYrDexRsqRUbWUUOhZxY/s1600/DSC01669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF2OrZt7zK_JhuPo5wKihlYzQfu9a2Iwo1tQo-txUJaQnSJ8bkt3v7BqeFxBionUuynWgAmJK1eZqP1CsOAB27mulHClr7xSXXMk7fM9gyQg-TvCcWgfjpNvDYrDexRsqRUbWUUOhZxY/s320/DSC01669.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GB and Aussies in business class</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once in London we went through our first Paralympic processing station
before getting on another bus and took the 3 - 4 hour drive to Cardiff,
Wales. We arrived after midnight and I finally got to bed as I listened to the Sunday night party goers on the streets below outside my window.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkaEEdmMn6vMs9fr7hSyt_Z9NMy_h1kc4UmOW5rYVl3TvI07po6bRRT4mw6Xi2ryIJYMd_mWN7b2Jybw2Mg9T49XHaEZEok2VrA7j-CIPW_1zZox9F_T39rXhPfxGUqlTtMPzRlfyce4/s1600/DSC01673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkaEEdmMn6vMs9fr7hSyt_Z9NMy_h1kc4UmOW5rYVl3TvI07po6bRRT4mw6Xi2ryIJYMd_mWN7b2Jybw2Mg9T49XHaEZEok2VrA7j-CIPW_1zZox9F_T39rXhPfxGUqlTtMPzRlfyce4/s320/DSC01673.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7ZXz5405IpL_M7uYO3ClrYgReqkq4niRb-mTmFjdeNFmZZ1WpDRRxFpuDb-LeTUdLHB3Hqn7WSzb2mfWqStJw8hM5GZw0Bv1NKC6Z4ZlUkLY9fY59nqTb5CZsJhbnUaevehgILPqaAI/s1600/DSC01676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7ZXz5405IpL_M7uYO3ClrYgReqkq4niRb-mTmFjdeNFmZZ1WpDRRxFpuDb-LeTUdLHB3Hqn7WSzb2mfWqStJw8hM5GZw0Bv1NKC6Z4ZlUkLY9fY59nqTb5CZsJhbnUaevehgILPqaAI/s320/DSC01676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of two buses taking the Gliders to Cardiff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUYvzwSBmQJblPMtfQ4hylGzZCinTaIS9wfNsYzuu5dZknz_cf3R7ZUVtFMS7r4iS2-No_Acbx-dE2L2zA0gzHmom8TR_e7UgtJZezfwYdcK5dj6MVYwtTKJHeK_9stzd-kIs5YhbjqY/s1600/DSC01680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUYvzwSBmQJblPMtfQ4hylGzZCinTaIS9wfNsYzuu5dZknz_cf3R7ZUVtFMS7r4iS2-No_Acbx-dE2L2zA0gzHmom8TR_e7UgtJZezfwYdcK5dj6MVYwtTKJHeK_9stzd-kIs5YhbjqY/s320/DSC01680.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and SV's room after a bit of redecorating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- 9 days til the Paralympics!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-41802495131981743832012-08-16T03:55:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.549+08:0039 hours....but who is counting??<br />
<br />
I left my house in a taxi at 12.30pm Tuesday 14th of August 2012. I am getting ready to go to bed for the first time at 9.37pm Wednesday 15th of August 2012 which is 3.37am Perth time on Thursday the 16th of August 2012. Holy moly it has been a long day!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEkKMtv9Zaf4QuD5m7IcmOEwKU8adQHpWzOHY8IeXnJ6kODJdjVFoqf-U_Xum9qtlG2kXtU2AUaTGM6iN2dJ-DKKHsYwKkqwypqwJ-2J9rUWddzVQnQ0wORQPXbdGXgR-j5mOjKmC9JE/s1600/DSC01652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEkKMtv9Zaf4QuD5m7IcmOEwKU8adQHpWzOHY8IeXnJ6kODJdjVFoqf-U_Xum9qtlG2kXtU2AUaTGM6iN2dJ-DKKHsYwKkqwypqwJ-2J9rUWddzVQnQ0wORQPXbdGXgR-j5mOjKmC9JE/s320/DSC01652.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridie doing her stretches in Singapore Qantas Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiL4S1TL0z0_bGkkq90f9-CoU_KwSvBqG-7vaM_OffCpViVtrpzowxttnKkQ3zBykmITSB2SO-ZptD1M3asEyFoGiLqi8f6pdYAA1R4V_HuXkr7yB_h9iiYJ2Xpenjo2K9P4Zev-3JKFM/s1600/DSC01653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiL4S1TL0z0_bGkkq90f9-CoU_KwSvBqG-7vaM_OffCpViVtrpzowxttnKkQ3zBykmITSB2SO-ZptD1M3asEyFoGiLqi8f6pdYAA1R4V_HuXkr7yB_h9iiYJ2Xpenjo2K9P4Zev-3JKFM/s320/DSC01653.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me making the most of our 4 hour delay in Singapore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Perth and Melbourne Gliders finally met up with the Sydney girls in Heathrow where we shared the same flight as the GB womens wheelchair basketball team to Amsterdam. We managed to get to Amsterdam with only 4 basketball wheelchairs missing (the Melbourne girl's chairs) but thankfully they will be arriving tonight so the girls won't be without their chairs when the games start tomorrow. The bus to Arnhem was about an hour.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF2BHP5SwlBGUH2SHW_nGgRHpIyq1NJRgynwTIa6ykB8YfK0-81UvEVN4Hi6_k5_lMKrp44v0pkVoy36VlccmZPjSbFOEfSOiIKrk1o34jmW9UCgyg2hZwjVAjMrhyhFz4tS79eqwYDg/s1600/DSC01657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF2BHP5SwlBGUH2SHW_nGgRHpIyq1NJRgynwTIa6ykB8YfK0-81UvEVN4Hi6_k5_lMKrp44v0pkVoy36VlccmZPjSbFOEfSOiIKrk1o34jmW9UCgyg2hZwjVAjMrhyhFz4tS79eqwYDg/s320/DSC01657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gliders don't pack lightly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqIQvDuMmyKefQ7BQQbQ23k345uIb_oftg971VK9hf-64l_eV32bEC-JuaPyMz8piZgTrKNyPBC42-Egn7ukylq56UyIqYD1LF7M_vU1D-GMDZHXFw3pBFXYCo2Sjuqcx6TezNQQRFjw/s1600/DSC01658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqIQvDuMmyKefQ7BQQbQ23k345uIb_oftg971VK9hf-64l_eV32bEC-JuaPyMz8piZgTrKNyPBC42-Egn7ukylq56UyIqYD1LF7M_vU1D-GMDZHXFw3pBFXYCo2Sjuqcx6TezNQQRFjw/s320/DSC01658.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I think we are at a place similar to the AIS in Canberra. Lots of small dorm like rooms with various training venues around the campus. Lots of green trees and car parks filling up the rest of the space. After dinner we had a team stretch and then some of us watched a quarter of the GB v Netherlands game. So glad we aren't playing tonight! Also glad our first game has been pushed back from 10am to 1pm!<br />
<br />
I am completely knackered but free wifi is free wifi so I couldn't resist the chance of catching up on my social media before I try fall asleep.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIAAFdT7mcnE3h8EDOyEbC_6LLoxzrTcPxiRk0xWRtz8ZE5DYpJR3vlz_JfIzPHPj4cnRKV2ePdFeSvIMbEggBaVJm2v2RAmUdCtK8lKqvpbekdJIyFGi-qFuIPhy6qeZ6e6LF1n4Ptc/s1600/DSC01661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIAAFdT7mcnE3h8EDOyEbC_6LLoxzrTcPxiRk0xWRtz8ZE5DYpJR3vlz_JfIzPHPj4cnRKV2ePdFeSvIMbEggBaVJm2v2RAmUdCtK8lKqvpbekdJIyFGi-qFuIPhy6qeZ6e6LF1n4Ptc/s320/DSC01661.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free wifi makes me happy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- 13 days til the opening ceremony!!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-80485453365407862812012-08-14T23:16:00.002+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.564+08:00The journey has started..I guess the journey technically started 4 years ago when the Beijing Paralympics finished but the Perth contingency of the Gliders have finished their first flight and are in Singapore waiting for their next flight to Heathrow. Our flight is delayed til 2 something in the morning so thank god for Gold Frequent Flyer cards and Qantas Club!<br />
<br />
It is cool to see people wandering the airport wearing the blue APC polo knowing we will all eventually be together in the Athlete Villiage in a few weeks. After watching the Olympics on tv it's exciting that it is now our time to do Australia proud. We still have a few things to do before moving into the Athlete Villiage though - the Gliders are actually on their way to the Netherlands for a short tournament in Arnhem. We will be playing against the Netherlands, Mexico, Canada and GB.<br />
<br />
After that tournament we will be checking into the Australian Staging Camp in Cardiff, Wales on the 19th of August where we will get our Australian team uniform (how exciting!) and have several training sessions before FINALLY moving into the Athlete Village on the 25th of August.<br />
<br />
For information about our games at the Paralympics you can check out the official London Paralympics website for wheelchair basketball: <a href="http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/wheelchair-basketball/schedule-and-results/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a><br />
<br />
The main website for the Australian Paralympic team is also a decent read as well. The media team for the APC have done really well! <a href="http://london2012.paralympic.org.au/index.php" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a><br />
<br />
Don't forget to follow my tweets on Twitter! <a href="https://twitter.com/clarenott10" target="_blank">@clarenott10</a> (not sure how blue tick verification occurs, but I can confirm that account is me!!)<br />
<br />
- 15 days til the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Paralympics!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-39417184004476838632012-07-22T18:50:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.547+08:00Gold Coast and World Challenge<div class="MsoNormal">
Two weeks of basketball.<br />
<br />
The first week the Gliders were on the Gold Coast for a
training camp and two “friendly” games against the Germans. Friendly being
emphasised because no game is ever friendly because everyone wants to win but
they’re still called friendly because they don’t count towards a tournament but
they’re more than a mere scrimmage. Gliders training sessions can be pretty intense as well - check out this bruise I got from a massive stack that was completely my own fault:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePwJCjt2D80igXhQsENOzGSx2Rau2Ayb7sqOw9WUnIx4RRTXyqBn2XI9_7NIM_VQ73OKaB9Nu11JW3vR4CyPBOH8HC4CostY9UbNRcWqdCfLzIt8N-s39RZJ_0OdfBTiFj_72puHwEdM/s1600/mr+bruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePwJCjt2D80igXhQsENOzGSx2Rau2Ayb7sqOw9WUnIx4RRTXyqBn2XI9_7NIM_VQ73OKaB9Nu11JW3vR4CyPBOH8HC4CostY9UbNRcWqdCfLzIt8N-s39RZJ_0OdfBTiFj_72puHwEdM/s200/mr+bruise.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Most meals were at the Surf Club across from where we were
staying at Main Beach. The lift to go up/down stairs was very slow and only
fitted two small chairs at once so I very quickly learnt a new lift skill –
going down stairs by myself. I have never had to try do it before, but after
watching a few of the other Gliders do it I thought to myself that I should be
able to do it – so I did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had two great “friendly” games against the Germans. The
first game we lost but it was still a great offensive and defensive game for
the Gliders. The second game we won by 1 point – in double overtime!! The
second game went for over two hours! Double overtime plus a fairly long break
when the shot clock decided not to work and staff spent a while trying to fix
it. The solution was a shot clock iPad application.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The weather wasn’t very good while we were there; raining
for the most of it. We had one day off and the weather was beautiful for half
that day. On the day off some Gliders went to Sea World where KG won a
basketball competition and SS got to hug a seal, and other Gliders went bargain
shopping at Harbor Town. I had a day of relaxation and pampered myself to a new
nail polish, movies and some book reading.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We got drenched on two nights when we had dinner at the
Yacht club and we had to walk/push home in the rain. It wasn’t exactly pouring
down with rain but it wasn’t a drizzle either. My lulu ‘Run in the Rain’ jacket
had a push in the rain. It smelt like wet dog smell afterwards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU6UM1o_4FFFTeDyk60EaCD8p6733MixxMqYCXISnwf7x1RftmNCFKd-szS1d498xM37DhKhbDljygnAdxGlWU9YhoNJEfkbifpT61D_pCsjlcV4cz4gSnRCOA8sPxbBhjUxpxoM83vw/s1600/room+layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU6UM1o_4FFFTeDyk60EaCD8p6733MixxMqYCXISnwf7x1RftmNCFKd-szS1d498xM37DhKhbDljygnAdxGlWU9YhoNJEfkbifpT61D_pCsjlcV4cz4gSnRCOA8sPxbBhjUxpxoM83vw/s200/room+layout.jpg" width="200" /></a>For the second week we flew from Brisbane to Sydney for a
tournament named the Rollers and Gliders World Challenge which was held at
Homebush/Olympic Park. We stayed at the Pullman Hotel which was pretty swish. Breakfast being a massive spread of breads, fruits,
cereals, hot food, eggs made to order and Nespesso coffee (in miniature cups).
Lunch was whatever you wanted (several restaurants in short walking/pushing
distance) and dinner on level 1 baymerie style catered by the hotel. The beds were very soft (which I love!) and my room which I shared with CC was fairly spacious after some rearrangment of furniture.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the first night there we tried on our Australian Paralympic team uniform just in case we needed to exchange sizes. The clothing is mainly 2XU and I won't say any more than this: we are going to look great!!<br />
<br />
The four teams that competed in the women’s tournament were
Australia, Germany, China and Japan. Japan are not going to the Paralympics so
they have a few new faces on their team which they will be developing over the
next few years. The three teams that competed in the men’s tournament were Australia,
Great Britain and Japan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We played one “friendly” game against China before the
tournament started. We won this game 60 to 41. China flew into Sydney that
morning so they were probably a bit tired (I definitely would not want to have
to play the same day as travel). Every Glider hit the court and nearly all of
us added to the score board.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first proper game was against Japan. We won this game 67
to 41. As I mentioned before, Japan have a few new players on their team, some
being 13 or 14 years of age. We went through a few lulls where we lowered our
intensity and did a few silly turn overs, especially the third quarter where
Japan actually scored more than we did, but we managed to pull ourselves
together and run the plays we wanted to play against Germany the next day. Like
the day before, all Gliders hit the court and all but two Gliders added to the
score board.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFg-GKyiX3glm9z4rpq6bhxjiqpWdp4OIZoFAYlzLYxxe_qPj2KNxaN1xHlV5vpWvtr8-2nbBNya78S-7AcctrnHHSYDeQCct7-4F8diN7YZFQ-uUMZKkX8ioCkYWa_XgTaLDRRm4WVc/s1600/shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFg-GKyiX3glm9z4rpq6bhxjiqpWdp4OIZoFAYlzLYxxe_qPj2KNxaN1xHlV5vpWvtr8-2nbBNya78S-7AcctrnHHSYDeQCct7-4F8diN7YZFQ-uUMZKkX8ioCkYWa_XgTaLDRRm4WVc/s200/shopping.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUaSnN-GY-a5wHdXBQ9__Y7RbWiw2Llom9o7aTF-IulJkJ5kbBnzCg52AB9SB8zLhA4xjavXFNIsCG9CeiOvTCspWDmbtDYmIZLGoq-VITSM4ygyZL_eiHiG2wTY3wWrRc7bIx8oAwAE/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUaSnN-GY-a5wHdXBQ9__Y7RbWiw2Llom9o7aTF-IulJkJ5kbBnzCg52AB9SB8zLhA4xjavXFNIsCG9CeiOvTCspWDmbtDYmIZLGoq-VITSM4ygyZL_eiHiG2wTY3wWrRc7bIx8oAwAE/s200/shoes.jpg" width="200" /></a>The next day we had a free morning before the game against
the Germans in the evening. I went to the Nike and Adidas factories a short
drive away with 3 other Gliders. I managed to find myself two pairs of new
shoes and two tops, and for my husband I bought two tops and two pairs of
shorts. Gliders know how to shop!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Gliders played amazingly against the Germans. We started
off strong (20 to 7 after the first quarter!) and played a strong end game
despite the Germans getting pretty close at a few stages (they won the third
quarter). We won the game 53 to 45. I’m so proud of the Gliders winning that
game. The Germans have been the favourites to win the gold medal but we have
beat them twice now! My dad and step-mum were at this game so I am glad they
were able to watch me compete internationally for the first time in a game
where we fought so hard and came out on top. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this stage we hadn’t guaranteed ourselves a spot in the
grand final. The next day we had to beat the Chinese team otherwise the top
three teams would be in a tie for having 2 wins each and the teams going into
the grand final would be decided by the for/against percentages. We didn’t want
this to happen because we have been there and done that at the AOZ
Qualification Tournament in South Korea last year. It was a close game against
the Chinese – we had the lower score after the first half but we came back and
had a great fourth quarter (scoring 21 to their 9 in the 4<sup>th</sup> q!) and
finished on top! We won the game 57 to 45. We are in the grand final! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Germans won their game against Japan so we played them
in the grand final. There was a massive crowed at the Sydney Olympic Sports
Centre so the pressure was on the Gliders to get a win in front of a home crowd
(which included many VIP’s from Basketball Australia and the Australian
Paralympic Committee). We were down after the first quarter but we gave the
crowd some ‘edge of the seat’ entertainment as the leaders switched between the
Gliders and the Germans several times. Both teams had a pretty shocking
shooting game but the Gliders reputable defence helped win the game by a narrow
margin of 2 points. We won the grand final 48 to 46!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfQ0YV_ZkECcN_xzpCSTeA532DEuuxN2BWYY3L4TawBMxtajc3hiXi9fSgD4C2H0aKG6KgrPr6zw8eTyESbuSAydImwvX26KV1pZndc9ggvIzKTFpKo7wn9scaoVUOT22GYweCEWEYfw/s1600/rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfQ0YV_ZkECcN_xzpCSTeA532DEuuxN2BWYY3L4TawBMxtajc3hiXi9fSgD4C2H0aKG6KgrPr6zw8eTyESbuSAydImwvX26KV1pZndc9ggvIzKTFpKo7wn9scaoVUOT22GYweCEWEYfw/s320/rings.jpg" width="238" /></a>After the men’s grand final (won by the Aussie Rollers!),
there was a short ceremony where the team captains of the Gliders and Rollers
were presented with a trophy and the All Star 5 and MVP’s were announced for
both the men and women. I was honoured with a spot on the All Star 5 which was
a very nice surprise (we didn’t even know they were doing individual awards)
and AM from the Gliders was awarded MVP as well as a spot on the All Star 5. AM
was also awarded the Glider’s Player’s Player award. Very much deserved after
several stellar shooting games. Basketball Australia also presented both the Gliders and Rollers with their Paralympic rings - a gift for being selected onto the Australian Paralympic Team. They're beautiful! It is unfortunate that it is too big for my pinkies and too small for every other finger. A few of the Gliders have discussed trying to get them re-sized at a jeweller.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you to Dad and Neryl for driving up from Maitland to
be at the two games against Germany. It was sad to say ‘see ya later’ after the
grand final because I haven’t organised next year yet so I’m not sure when ‘later’
will be. Might have to organise a holiday over there to stock up on some good
ol’ Hunter Valley wines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also thanks to the three Gliders who weren’t selected to go
to London but still came to cheer us on at the World Challenge. It would have
been hard being on the other side of the basketball court but your support
means a lot to us. Once a Glider always a Glider <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That night we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves before
flying out the next day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpmpz5eF_pXEqlvykLrx0Z86p0TRmxSsG1l8rNHFOe4zaXaogF8pZN565DwK_6V7zWFVEhMQKlpkaK4E8u9zbnfNvsqrqaimvCQOavd7TOXAvH2xaKs-dhGMuQdtEO3ZjoYX0twKiAjI/s1600/kats+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpmpz5eF_pXEqlvykLrx0Z86p0TRmxSsG1l8rNHFOe4zaXaogF8pZN565DwK_6V7zWFVEhMQKlpkaK4E8u9zbnfNvsqrqaimvCQOavd7TOXAvH2xaKs-dhGMuQdtEO3ZjoYX0twKiAjI/s320/kats+hair.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mucking around with Kat's hair - my first attempt at a sideways braid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was smiles all round for the Gliders, now having
three wins against the Germans. We have improved so much this year, but we
still have a lot of hard work to do before securing a gold medal. Teams such as
the Netherlands will be tough to beat and we haven’t seen or played against the
Brazil or Canadian teams in a while.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next three and a half weeks for me will be filled with
lots of shooting sessions, weights sessions at Jetts Fitness Kingsway, a talk
for a school, an official farewell for the WA based Paralympians and some work
and the start of semester two of university squashed in there somewhere. Oh,
and my birthday just before we leave!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- 38 days to go til the London Paralympics!</div>Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-17414278697831526772012-07-05T19:49:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.541+08:00Official team announcement!So it is official! I am honoured to be able to say that I will be representing Australia at the London Paralympics for wheelchair basketball!<br />
<br />
I have actually known since the start of June when the Gliders had their training camp in Perth, however we were sworn to secrecy until the APC officially announced it. Which was this morning at the WA Basketball Centre!<br />
<br />
Read the official media release on the APC's website: <a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/news/australian-wheelchair-basketball-teams-revealed" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>!<br />
<br />
ABC is the official broadcaster for the APC at the London Paralympics, but Channel 10 also aired a piece on TV tonight. To watch: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://twitvid.com/VUB2X" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>!<br />
<br />
I would like to thank a few organisations:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.basketball.net.au/" target="_blank">Basketball Australia</a>;</li>
<li>the <a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/" target="_blank">Australian Paralympic Committee</a>;</li>
<li>the Australian Government;</li>
<li>the Australian Sports Commission; </li>
<li>the <a href="http://www.wais.org.au/" target="_blank">Western Australian Institute of Sport</a>;</li>
<li><a href="http://www.wheelchairsportswa.org.au/" target="_blank">Wheelchair Sports WA</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.murdoch.edu.au/" target="_blank">Murdoch University</a> (and the Murdoch Elite Athlete Program);</li>
</ul>
and all of their respective sponsors. Without your contributions to sport in general, wheelchair basketball, the teams I play for and to me as an individual - I wouldn't be able to play the sport I love so much at the level I am able to.<br />
<br />
Special mentions to: <br />
<ul>
<li>My family, especially my husband Lee who has to put up with me being away all the time and who will be flying to London to cheer me along (look for him and his brother when camera's pan across the crowd!) and my Dad and step-mum in Newcastle, NSW who drive to Sydney or fly to Melbourne when they can to watch me compete. </li>
<li>All the ladies at work who also put up with me being away all the time (thank you for the special lunch today!).</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ramwheelchairs.com.au/" target="_blank">RAM Wheelchairs</a> for making me a FANTASTIC basketball wheelchair to compete in at the London Paralympics. </li>
<li>The rest of the Glider's squad and coaching staff! </li>
<li>and this little guy who would like to come with me but unfortunately can't: </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxTZHt3U-npX4FJ1lnmEQtbm6jsrat1X4-YLQnVCcX7-B8Ufr_9fAGFo__9Q-ZoQ7gshpJRk1gYXPKeQNGuciHgYpJSzkQRdxtibNUIlSOop3Va6U_1advJiNFsSAjKzDTh5OLQjlxbI/s1600/Taj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxTZHt3U-npX4FJ1lnmEQtbm6jsrat1X4-YLQnVCcX7-B8Ufr_9fAGFo__9Q-ZoQ7gshpJRk1gYXPKeQNGuciHgYpJSzkQRdxtibNUIlSOop3Va6U_1advJiNFsSAjKzDTh5OLQjlxbI/s400/Taj.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a) Taj cuddles for the camera b) Wanting to come with me c) Stealing my Australian playing singlet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thank you to everyone else that has ever supported me or my team - it is greatly appreciated! <br />
<br />
The following girls will be going to the London Paralympics for wheelchair basketball. If you have a Twitter account then feel free to follow their road to London as well!<br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/amber-merritt" target="_blank">Amber Merritt</a> – <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/bambibabydoll" target="_blank">@bambibabydoll</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/leanne-del-toso" target="_blank">Leanne del Toso</a> – <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/leannedeltoso" target="_blank">@leannedeltoso</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/bridie-kean" target="_blank">Bridie Kean</a> – <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/brideski" target="_blank">@brideski</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/cobi-crispin" target="_blank">Cobi Crispin</a> – <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/CobiEllen" target="_blank">@CobiEllen</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/shelley-chaplin" target="_blank">Shelley Chaplin</a> – <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/ShelleyChaplin" target="_blank">@ShelleyChaplin</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/sarah-stewart" target="_blank">Sarah Stewart</a> – <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/SarahStewartAus" target="_blank">@SarahStewartAus</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/tina-mckenzie" target="_blank">Tina McKenzie</a> – <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/tinamac8" target="_blank">@tinamac8</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/katie-hill" target="_blank">Katie Hill </a>– <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/katie_lee_hill" target="_blank">@katie_lee_hill</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/kylie-gauci" target="_blank">Kylie Gauci</a> – <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/kyliegauci11" target="_blank">@kyliegauci11</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/sarah-vinci" target="_blank">Sarah Vinci</a> – <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/Sarah_Vinci" target="_blank">@Sarah_Vinci</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/clare-nott-nee-burzynski" target="_blank">Clare Nott</a> – <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/clarenott10" target="_blank">@clarenott10</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paralympic.org.au/team/amanda-carter" target="_blank">Amanda Carter</a> – <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/Amanda_Carter64" target="_blank">@Amanda_Carter64</a><br />
<br />
Of course, with every team announcement there are the handful of Glider's who weren't selected to be part of the team, despite the blood, sweat, and tears they endured and the hard work and sacrifices they made over the last 4 years. To my beautiful sissy, you will be right there with me in spirit. xx<br />
<br />
Next week the 12 girls mentioned above will train on the Gold Coast before heading to Sydney for the Gliders World Challenge. Today I was interviewed and asked which other teams we would be competing against and I had a total mental blank. I play like a boss no matter who we play - no opponent should have an easy game against us! (I can now tell you that we will be playing against Germany, Japan and China). For ticketing information for the Gliders (and Rollers) World Challenge: <a href="http://www.ticketdirect.com.au/Event/Season/870" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>!<br />
<br />
- 55 days til the London Paralympics<br />
<br />
PS. The Western Stars came 3rd! I just realised I haven't written about the WNWBL finals yet. We were disappointed to not make the grand final, but we were super happy to win bronze. Congrats to the Melbourne girls for their back to back win. Their shooting % over the finals weekend was amazing!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-54574553575464643382012-06-11T21:08:00.002+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.550+08:00Wheelchair Basketball WeekThe IPC have annouced this week to be Wheelchair Basketball week in their 20-week sport series on Twitter. Their account is <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/Paralympic" target="_blank">@Paralympic</a>. One of their posts included a short video about wheelchair basketball. View it below:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/30nV5jySi3o" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
The footage is taken from the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and the Gliders obviously forgot that games are filmed and televised. What were we thinking?? The 5 person clap on court with a big zoom in on my big laugh is a touch embarrassing but hey any attention/publicity is good attention/publicity right?? Erg!<br />
<br />
I found the following video after watching the above video. Good on ya Kylie! I'm assuming it was taken before the Beijing Paralympics. Unfortunately we didn't get the gold there (we won the bronze) but fingers crossed the Gliders get the gold in London!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lDFz5V35nUI" width="420"></iframe></div>
<br />
In other news: my house didn't lose power and nothing has blown away. Taj was a bit wet and shaken when we got home. We are still expecting a few more storms in Perth so hopefully there will be no more damage during those ones. On Sunday, my husband and I had to do a lot of driving around the Fremantle to Canningvale area and we saw A LOT of fallen trees and branches on the road. One poor bloke had a branch through his car windscreen.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsScnqhcgNQJ-iEteRW36JV7Qq76__PU0J81duR8-RGaPVAkQ657MCqGawtEy6F-ZplwQApeYaFUk21VV8CutF75hjuMPN0vpWx3wyBJOqaWXQm3iKubDYW581tkFCqkOo4nCAgkmOnHo/s1600/forecast.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsScnqhcgNQJ-iEteRW36JV7Qq76__PU0J81duR8-RGaPVAkQ657MCqGawtEy6F-ZplwQApeYaFUk21VV8CutF75hjuMPN0vpWx3wyBJOqaWXQm3iKubDYW581tkFCqkOo4nCAgkmOnHo/s1600/forecast.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from the<a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/forecasts/perth.shtml" target="_blank"> Bureau of Meteorology</a> website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lastly, I made it into the Wheelchair Sports WA <a href="http://www.wheelchairsportswa.org.au/news/?article=208-follow-clare-on-the-road-to-london&month=05&year=2012" target="_blank">Wheelies Mail</a> (both my names did!)! Thank you for your support guys :) <br />
<br />
Flash and Thunder are currently at the $500 mark for raising money for Wheelchair Sports WA. Any support would be greatly appreciated! 100% tax deductible donations can be done <a href="http://www.everydayhero.com.au/flashandthunder" target="_blank">HERE</a>. And you can read their training blog <a href="http://flashandthunder.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I can hear my husband tapping away on his laptop, so expect a new training blog soon! September is approaching!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71Ug9imXLA13P9DipYrCpxWylaTPEBxBJ9ccEpXxP6eIM8pA_purENhIeJKkL1Gz0yG94eyx9rwrnNYOcSQ5pHdXNiD6JYdKWVQM4cIhM0R6Hhra3Ip3Z9lazXZfiPLRnlrnaLfgSZhY/s1600/526787_10150880144466378_1286418614_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71Ug9imXLA13P9DipYrCpxWylaTPEBxBJ9ccEpXxP6eIM8pA_purENhIeJKkL1Gz0yG94eyx9rwrnNYOcSQ5pHdXNiD6JYdKWVQM4cIhM0R6Hhra3Ip3Z9lazXZfiPLRnlrnaLfgSZhY/s400/526787_10150880144466378_1286418614_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Emily Dimozantos - <a href="http://client.motionphoto.com.au/" target="_blank">Life in Motion</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My uni lecturer would have hated the lack of "flow" in today's post. I jumped from one topic to another quite dramatically - but meh - this doesn't count towards my degree :) Speaking of which: one more semester to go!!<br />
<br />
- 79 days to go til London Paralympics!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-61147473175911131852012-06-07T20:19:00.002+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.556+08:00WNWBL and Gliders in PerthThe weekend starting Friday the 1st of June 2012 saw my state women's wheelchair basketball team host the next round of WNWBL. The stadium was decorated with pink streamers and posters and the Western Stars had organised a pretty sweet box of pink goodies to raffle over the weekend. I was ready to go with my pink and black shatter OPI nail polish!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmgRcsZP_UpEOj31GFR9GXbjFqISeK_W9reE2I7ZCRuXT6dbHJxZ_XFRGBW1CHPTDqgPHOpc7Jiuadj98eNpiBr8xfU2rvducxBhaR0t4y6U8aIefiq03ngmji18uKqoDkf8lguA-KqE/s1600/DSC01641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmgRcsZP_UpEOj31GFR9GXbjFqISeK_W9reE2I7ZCRuXT6dbHJxZ_XFRGBW1CHPTDqgPHOpc7Jiuadj98eNpiBr8xfU2rvducxBhaR0t4y6U8aIefiq03ngmji18uKqoDkf8lguA-KqE/s320/DSC01641.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The first game against the Sydney Uni Flames started late due to the Flames being late to the stadium. Which is actually a bit lucky because I myself was running a bit late (at least late in terms of when the coach wanted me to be there) because I was having a few adventures in Welshpool and Cannington with my brother in law that took longer than expected (he got his Learner's permit!).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYu_Kg-NxKbFwtytHFCrPWkeJIC19Y0Ad7K1RON3JKTtVKkGttOcg5SnUoKnCbuHKS5UkTVRtJAnPD0jJRQZo1XivCot_-9-OY0xJLbi9QAq80kiYazLd3tAwYzaGpIWQRohKTN-6uLo/s1600/575235_475577265792530_1963998109_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYu_Kg-NxKbFwtytHFCrPWkeJIC19Y0Ad7K1RON3JKTtVKkGttOcg5SnUoKnCbuHKS5UkTVRtJAnPD0jJRQZo1XivCot_-9-OY0xJLbi9QAq80kiYazLd3tAwYzaGpIWQRohKTN-6uLo/s320/575235_475577265792530_1963998109_n.jpg" width="213" /></a>The Stars started off a bit slow but we sorted our stuff out and won the game with ease. Everyone on my team got on the scoreboard which is a great effort. We won 57 to 42. I personally got 8 points which is actually an amount I am pleased with. As a "low pointer" our main role isn't shooting and because the Western Stars don't have someone suited to carrying the ball, I have stepped up to be in that role. It is a challenge because a ball carrier has to be agile while protecting the ball at the same time, and part of my disability includes having very little balance. Therefore when I'm knocked I will "flop" to the side. So carrying the ball around defence as a "low pointer" is actually very hard to do. I rely on my team mates to make space and become passing options. I much prefer to be able to pass the ball up the court rather than weave around defence while dribbling the ball.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9-p_dFCdvYKPoQYarEjK-j6kVUyIVBniHZEkziAL8EHRqsGngWz_Zr1GGUbus2JI0Vo417-8uxAJnL1sp-Oj7olIrc7SlOCeo9_aFPpu8ApTTZ3RLta7fF4BNXwayDMpv0RyehyUc8g/s1600/168286_475578342459089_1396198103_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9-p_dFCdvYKPoQYarEjK-j6kVUyIVBniHZEkziAL8EHRqsGngWz_Zr1GGUbus2JI0Vo417-8uxAJnL1sp-Oj7olIrc7SlOCeo9_aFPpu8ApTTZ3RLta7fF4BNXwayDMpv0RyehyUc8g/s320/168286_475578342459089_1396198103_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos by Emily Dimozantos (this one and the other one above right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On a side note: a great video to watch has recently been released by the Australian Paralympic Committee. Dylan Alcott is a "low pointer" for the Australian Men's team (the Rollers).<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xSTbSgR7Ctc" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
Getting back to the WNWBL - on Saturday we played against the Queensland Comets who are a good pressing team. We managed to get through their defences and we beat them 45 to 31. I didn't get on the score board this game but I also only attempted twice. I didn't even get that many assists but my fellow "low pointers" know that this is because the "high pointers" want more rebounding stats so they miss their first shot attempt and then make their next one. My sister in law (able bodied women are allowed to play in the WNWBL bur we are only allowed on on court) top scored for the game with 19 points - a fantastic job!<br />
<br />
Our last game was against the Dandenong Rangers who we haven't been able to beat yet. It was a very close game and we were even in the lead a few times during the game! Unfortunately we didn't get the win but the score was only 44 to 49. The coach getting a tech foul for talking on the sideline and LDT hitting 2/2 FT afterwards didn't help.So if that didn't happen and either myself or one of the other stars hit 2 more shots then we could have won!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwO9HlWFdK9fYVw-fa3F_681aHxMBWXDNtaIR1B1n8kc7rKpmxX7SmHU-HtlYZ3gxPPGndOTS49q9yUpgXpjPo5sAkjdMRgjEsp2EVG25MUkZev2g1MG1Kmsv516SHwIWiv-UYR7VH-Y/s200/535887_10150863669751378_775976035_n.jpg" width="200" /> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVnSxHnXNrh0lPQklqSxspcXfgpTCJs1s8N2amJQDubN8ylHXeAVfNr-hMxeBsQH73qYsNE4Jd47amJaOLDEiVbOcBRruObRJiQaF-AGDUuxTWU7vF3lXbbx3uiwXBNvCcbK-EbCAi-4/s200/525951_10150863674246378_1497030422_n.jpg" width="200" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I would like to quickly take this opportunity to thank Matt Norris and his wonderful team at RAM Wheelchairs for making such an awesome basketball wheelchair. The extra hours put into it has made it the best sports chair I've ever had. It is currently in its raw titanium form - but watch this space for when it is painted and has its pimped up Green and Yellow spoked Spinergy's. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I shared this Lorna Jane photo on my facebook wall after the game for my team mates:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgzktBmNxfhm2tK7rkPGZMOoxH5PYQGlee1X6x5-GOmx4Hf_sTKtebIMcWIoJ5EJsCv2ZVL4-gCS5XiOOeoPsxkK9tuRZDBmuamXzZON0Mjgq8tbMii_ypwqoBMdiWb0weXpjyesqo0o/s1600/229806_392821867420138_512320030_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgzktBmNxfhm2tK7rkPGZMOoxH5PYQGlee1X6x5-GOmx4Hf_sTKtebIMcWIoJ5EJsCv2ZVL4-gCS5XiOOeoPsxkK9tuRZDBmuamXzZON0Mjgq8tbMii_ypwqoBMdiWb0weXpjyesqo0o/s320/229806_392821867420138_512320030_n.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
The game against the Rangers was a massive progress from our last game against them. Fingers crossed we will get to play them in the grand final and we will have yet another progress. A winning progress!<br />
<br />
That night I couldn't curl up on the couch and just watch tv. I had an exam to study for (monday was a public holiday but the uni was still open). I had taken my uni text book away with me to Germany and Manchester but no study was done. It is the last thing I wanted to do when I had to concentrate on my National team duties. So yet again I was cramming last minute.<br />
<br />
The next morning I managed to write 9 pages in under 2 hours and I am quite happy with the content of those 9 pages as well. Fingers crossed!<br />
<br />
Still no rest for the wicked though - I had a Gliders camp to pack for! The 16 squad members stayed on in Perth to be part of the 3 day camp held at Herb Graham Rec Centre, Mirrabooka (the same venue where the Stars train and where we held the WNWBL round). I packed up my car with the clothes our team manager told me to pack (plus some) as well as what my husband described as "half the pantry". It wasn't really half the pantry. Just what I needed in order to make the Gliders cup cakes while at the Clarion Suites in Mullaloo.<br />
<br />
WSWA opened the stadium so we could train in the evening on Monday. We then had dinner at Hilary's Boat Harbour. The next day we had two training sessions and the following day we had our final training session. Wednesday afternoon (after helping my fellow Gliders to the airport) I was able to just RELAX! It was a stressful Gliders camp for all (staff included) - but more about that on a different day!<br />
<br />
- 83 days til the London Paralympics!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-66061481342457852702012-05-27T18:11:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.560+08:00Gliders in Manchester 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09Xm0sImJKgAr0JkSt_X4dG6An-7yyJamx1sraBO0JXlRtxXJZbKK7LetI5DFB17bAW6Csl1UxaazwyC1F3rxxsWip-i4_Tr2e8qiP_-P_5f8XwhGUq1lMcYE7RK_NjWi5wnyiKOStUw/s1600/0740-007-11_C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09Xm0sImJKgAr0JkSt_X4dG6An-7yyJamx1sraBO0JXlRtxXJZbKK7LetI5DFB17bAW6Csl1UxaazwyC1F3rxxsWip-i4_Tr2e8qiP_-P_5f8XwhGUq1lMcYE7RK_NjWi5wnyiKOStUw/s200/0740-007-11_C.jpg" width="200" /></a><u>26 May 2012 </u><br />
<br />
Grand final day!!<br />
<br />
I went shopping for the first time since being away with the Gliders. SV and I found the jewellery shop selling Thomas Sabo so I could buy a new charm. They are cheaper in this part of the world compared to buying them in Australia. My newest addition is a cute little Sabo Doll :)<br />
<br />
Because it took ages to choose which charms we wanted and the lady took her time at the cash register we had to basically sprint (as much as two wheelchair bound girls can sprint across english streets) back to the hotel to make our team meeting on time.<br />
<br />
We left for our game early so we could watch the bronze medal game between GB and USA. It was a close game but USA got the win.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfto4F9qxRD1R22EeCKI1IMw-Gxfzfkrj7k2lRO6OaJUIPCwrUzWQ382-KazLTw5-vELulX3ELEyfYSMG6tQNIw7EJt5bOSwhyAKoTsDjb7F455G_ZkKxd9h30gpDkq1p20LjxA3NPY6Y/s1600/DSC01592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfto4F9qxRD1R22EeCKI1IMw-Gxfzfkrj7k2lRO6OaJUIPCwrUzWQ382-KazLTw5-vELulX3ELEyfYSMG6tQNIw7EJt5bOSwhyAKoTsDjb7F455G_ZkKxd9h30gpDkq1p20LjxA3NPY6Y/s320/DSC01592.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USA v GB</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUQvjcSUdu8INDevl5FubDdcOHirrXY8ePXe3i_798GezGqXYPESIfTJuAJmBI5cWm_nCW5xwwoBMEum2ukbqJbuMFNvetRX8rpxCF2I-QLqLPXs7cBaooSMGALB8H2hT4bwR0l-2Xuo/s1600/DSC01593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUQvjcSUdu8INDevl5FubDdcOHirrXY8ePXe3i_798GezGqXYPESIfTJuAJmBI5cWm_nCW5xwwoBMEum2ukbqJbuMFNvetRX8rpxCF2I-QLqLPXs7cBaooSMGALB8H2hT4bwR0l-2Xuo/s200/DSC01593.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand final nails - green and gold shatter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had a great game against the Germans but unfortunately we didn't get the win. It was a very exciting close game - the leader changes several times. We were only down by 3 points when the score board decided to not work at 1:03 minutes to go. When they finally rigged up an alternate score board and shot clock the game started again and we resorted to end game tactics. Unfortunately it didn't go our way. We had an amazing defensive game but 0/8 free throws and a few missed easy baskets let us down.<br />
<br />
We were in good spirits after the game though - we were happy with our efforts this tournament. While we waited for the bus to game, the walkers of our team created a new game: Amputee cricket - with an empty water bottle as the ball and prosthetics as the bats. It was very funny! We even got a few staff members involved and a random englishman.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuwq7i-sucRXHRU4P0wZl5GjVDq2FmG48fth2zBW7ftSN0A1tGs-KtTi0TXxJy_Bc4QSSczOdzB6vIj2CsITwjItPs9n2js55AppSDLoe2u8FAnvWlIWHWm4U1XRO_vMc6Pc3G6KL7nM/s1600/DSC01602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuwq7i-sucRXHRU4P0wZl5GjVDq2FmG48fth2zBW7ftSN0A1tGs-KtTi0TXxJy_Bc4QSSczOdzB6vIj2CsITwjItPs9n2js55AppSDLoe2u8FAnvWlIWHWm4U1XRO_vMc6Pc3G6KL7nM/s200/DSC01602.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygcDYlCpZ9RaB_j_ZIfGs2cp_s0mhiaTg9DGoqPPs89J5Ur8rPKkw79GaWKefou7Fkl-9E_OAUL72Gn3oadhW_hex4ExQfBJ2ds8vu6Wn_ABOgE1DwRkOPH9VqCoIMopvHT7ctxaZMRs/s1600/DSC01600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygcDYlCpZ9RaB_j_ZIfGs2cp_s0mhiaTg9DGoqPPs89J5Ur8rPKkw79GaWKefou7Fkl-9E_OAUL72Gn3oadhW_hex4ExQfBJ2ds8vu6Wn_ABOgE1DwRkOPH9VqCoIMopvHT7ctxaZMRs/s200/DSC01600.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRUlPStuinmK4m2AYHAYeFEOiFILjdpJJSfV8YptZIkfGf_AdmFK_p9OgInMb8SGhYp7vffHxUeWOvSjUA6Ip61QMabqCCk-eIfhRz9lGGXhonA1P30BeT1xywEHe5K519LBQfzIiE44/s1600/DSC01619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRUlPStuinmK4m2AYHAYeFEOiFILjdpJJSfV8YptZIkfGf_AdmFK_p9OgInMb8SGhYp7vffHxUeWOvSjUA6Ip61QMabqCCk-eIfhRz9lGGXhonA1P30BeT1xywEHe5K519LBQfzIiE44/s200/DSC01619.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAtl2rXwX-T8CtTp2aBR9hx7fmhi_uPHw_CEb5_NTuXTOkITS-ky0hRlm7TmwxuY8piTYxMVQQOOnA5-LpBBelB7pOxmOVgLAblJ7FhD9dLrrrcqDrXya1_SEue3gu9PKxLb462_pqzw/s1600/DSC01613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAtl2rXwX-T8CtTp2aBR9hx7fmhi_uPHw_CEb5_NTuXTOkITS-ky0hRlm7TmwxuY8piTYxMVQQOOnA5-LpBBelB7pOxmOVgLAblJ7FhD9dLrrrcqDrXya1_SEue3gu9PKxLb462_pqzw/s200/DSC01613.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEike241VK7CA-yqxvVPTeJtYZtokWUaYm43qrQhisaO65hF_hELCWdgVVc-CkZeN-377CGCMqEVgTD2mfgpOv0-9-1cY293aJNXChcsUktYS0Rokji_fcWM64ksaFWbwqQrq2AlpO5kMBQ/s1600/DSC01620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEike241VK7CA-yqxvVPTeJtYZtokWUaYm43qrQhisaO65hF_hELCWdgVVc-CkZeN-377CGCMqEVgTD2mfgpOv0-9-1cY293aJNXChcsUktYS0Rokji_fcWM64ksaFWbwqQrq2AlpO5kMBQ/s320/DSC01620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
At night we were able to relax at the bar on lower ground floor and the Gliders Player's Player was awarded jointly to CC and SS. My custody of C-Money (orange toy cat below) was very short after winning her by being Player's Player of the Frankfurt tournament (I kept the gold clutch though).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc8BPr3rCHI9mMbq0j1bzCObtCSs4IsAaP_IM0Shbub1KUKa6ydfSwAeSxL-ZylDkw_jdAM479qjAYSvTZMPy10bhvwqUIRYgbxJ4flT5Wwzdk_xjddXW_F_5zzESHB7zDjn53cULjr0/s1600/DSC01629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc8BPr3rCHI9mMbq0j1bzCObtCSs4IsAaP_IM0Shbub1KUKa6ydfSwAeSxL-ZylDkw_jdAM479qjAYSvTZMPy10bhvwqUIRYgbxJ4flT5Wwzdk_xjddXW_F_5zzESHB7zDjn53cULjr0/s320/DSC01629.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISWWmf0qd0lF6czcX6kUYAZFSPfRw8HkFWrJNnB-ouAnsyl1t6aiaYJiwX1kEP7hjOaYD2bDO8s_l70fQ3Ic67Fo1b0VzCaDD8kG9et9oW_8O7p4a5MpAzioUPlQAnuRyT1CsSodH1S0/s1600/DSC01630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISWWmf0qd0lF6czcX6kUYAZFSPfRw8HkFWrJNnB-ouAnsyl1t6aiaYJiwX1kEP7hjOaYD2bDO8s_l70fQ3Ic67Fo1b0VzCaDD8kG9et9oW_8O7p4a5MpAzioUPlQAnuRyT1CsSodH1S0/s320/DSC01630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Player's Player is something that is awarded after each tournament. After each game during that tournament, each Glider votes for three Glider's who they thought contributed the best to the game. 3 votes to your first preference, 2 votes to your second preference, 1 vote to your third preference. It doesn't neccessarily have to be someone who got heaps of minutes and played really well - we can vote for someone who was very supporting on the bench or someone who did their role very well during their time on court. I have won it a few times over the years I have been playing basketball. It is a very humbling thing to be awarded - to know that your fellow teammates appreciate what you do for the team.<br />
<br />
<u>27 May 2012 </u><br />
<br />
Travel day!<br />
<br />
We don't have to leave the hotel til 3.30pm so in a bit I will start packing and then head out for a wander around Manchester city. <br />
<br />
It has been a fantastic tournament but I am ready to go back home for lots of cuddles from my two boys :)<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WuWKJTd_MPA" width="560"></iframe> <br />
<br />
- 94 days til London Paralympics!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-59606352913309708342012-05-26T05:55:00.001+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.555+08:00Gliders in Manchester 2<u>23 May 2012</u><br />
<br />
Hydration: 17<br />
<br />
Feeling
a bit better today. I stayed in my room as much as possible, only
coming out for compulsory team get togethers like meetings, food and
training. I wasn't 100% going into the game but when the game started,
the rush you get of playing basketball kicked in and although I was
sniffing back bubbles, I think I played pretty well. Got a steal which
always feels pretty good as a low. I shot like a dog though. Our team
shooting percentage was a bit embarrassing which is why we lost. Our
other stats were actually pretty decent compared to Germany but
unfortunately the most important stat is what let us down.<br />
<br />
<u>24 May 2012</u><br />
<br />
Hydration: 18<br />
<br />
Today
we got the win against the Great Britain girls though we still played
pretty ugly. We know we can do so much better than what we are currently
doing at this tournament. All the teams seem to be having lower
shooting percentages. Is it the court? The bright lights that heat up
the stadium? The brand new fully pumped GL6's? The ring / backboard? A
combination of all of those? Who knows. I remember similar comments
occuring during the last time we were here. No matter what, we are
athletes who should learn to adapt to different environments, so we can
only blame ourselves really.<br />
<br />
During warm up I got a bit excited to see NOTT on the
scoreboard. They changed it to BURZYNSKI for the game but not before I
was able to take a photo using DG's phone (I will try get that off him
at some stage).<br />
<br />
<u>25 May 2012</u> - Happy birthday Dean "Thunder" Underwood and Amanda Nott! <br />
<br />
Hydration: 11<br />
<br />
I can definitely feel the difference
this kind of tournament is having on my body. Compared to the tournament
in Germany where we smashed out 4 intense games in 2 days - this
tournament has lots of rest opportunities by having only one game a day.
I am not feeling fatigued at all and my sickness feels like its
starting to go away (though still blowing bubbles every now and then -
not nice).<br />
<br />
Today we had a morning training session and we worked on the
thing that has been letting us down in the games. Uncontested shots. So
we did lots of layups, bounce stops and and various shoots around the
key.<br />
<br />
Lunch was a treat from BA - pizza at an Italian
restaurant in Manchester. We then had a small amount of time where we
were able to wander the shops before heading back to the hotel which was
only a short push away. We then did whatever we wanted in the hotel.
Some Gliders may have napped. Other Gliders tried getting other teams
involved in our new music video (hopefully this actually gets published -
its currently in production but time is of essence!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlvrXuxhpqGq8xQ4qFTGCd-fH_8T-gu8daY6x7Y07rMTzNQPqLFan-gayO_gUiJKGR04uLCKD6DFKsYBdOgjBnY_e-ith_fpuapuEO8akY9Je55zPln66Y8J805Lug-0DP_qQraRwZBs/s1600/DSC01587.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlvrXuxhpqGq8xQ4qFTGCd-fH_8T-gu8daY6x7Y07rMTzNQPqLFan-gayO_gUiJKGR04uLCKD6DFKsYBdOgjBnY_e-ith_fpuapuEO8akY9Je55zPln66Y8J805Lug-0DP_qQraRwZBs/s320/DSC01587.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B0wiuj15lQOzkSj1hBsJfAPaqg51UvrjOEbjZUaEe8yGJ9rqA0C0PEJa7v0iNT0lZqjR_TG0KCCPek8N2NsaT1Drpv_kTZ22wH_Cuehy8WSr78F8PuPT62ap9L3XHLwGbqHW4xGskhA/s1600/DSC01588.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B0wiuj15lQOzkSj1hBsJfAPaqg51UvrjOEbjZUaEe8yGJ9rqA0C0PEJa7v0iNT0lZqjR_TG0KCCPek8N2NsaT1Drpv_kTZ22wH_Cuehy8WSr78F8PuPT62ap9L3XHLwGbqHW4xGskhA/s320/DSC01588.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We then had a 7pm game against the US. In Germany we beat them so
we wanted to beat them again. We did! It felt great :) I personally was
proud of the way I played, 7 points in an international game is a bit
of a warm fuzzy for myself. The team did really really well - we played
tough defence and we were hitting some clutch shots after working some
smart offence.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow we are in the grand final - guaranteed medal = smiles all round!! <br />
<br />
- 95 days til the London Paralympics!!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646600177664628087.post-59195177986233372782012-05-23T03:54:00.001+08:002012-09-22T21:28:45.553+08:00Gliders in Germany / Manchester<u>20 May 2012</u><br />
<br />
Hydration: 15<br />
<br />
Today was the first day since being in Germany that I actually woke up to an alarm. I didn't wake up at all during the night so I was surprised to get a semi-decent score on my hydration test. Breakfast was at 6.35am so we could make our bus to the stadium for our 9am game versus the USA team.<br />
<br />
We haven't played the USA in a few years so we weren't sure what to expect. They won the major tournaments in 2008 and 2010 so we were expecting them to be tough opponents. The Gliders came out tough and beat them quite convincingly. One quarter the USA got donuts (ZERO!) shots in. We were feeling pretty awesome after this game.<br />
<br />
Because we had lost the first two games it didnt matter that we had won the game against the US. We were still only playing for third. So after only a few hours rest we were playing in the play off for third against Netherlands. We lost. Like I mentioned in a previous post - no matter what excuse we had (tiredness), it was a matter of the ball not going in the hole enough times.<br />
<br />
We weren't very happy after that game but because we still have one more tournament to go, we did our recovery session in the ice cold showers before going to watch the next game. We eventually got home for a dinner and then bed. We were at the stadium for about 12 hours that day.<br />
<br />
<u>21 May 2012</u><br />
<br />
Travel day! Not that much to write about for this day. We had to be packed and ready to go at around 11am. We took the bus to the airport. Said goodbye to LDT who was flying back to Australia. Flew to London and then flew to Manchester. I had woken up that morning with a cold so I hated the flights. Trying to unblock my ears without blowing boogers out my nose is a skill I had to learn quickly.<br />
<br />
By the time we got to the hotel it was dinner time, but I skipped dinner so I could go to bed early. I have a room to myself again which is probably a good thing anyway so I don't contaminate anyone else. I had a nice hot shower to try clear my head and I then took the night cold/flu tablets and went to bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pr0ToaPmG4DAX10pBqwnhgl7Y7UcRdz9nBvOP58wcgyKnaixO9L1qyH5A45z6sAeiUrXuKlhnGOCj92Q4ckBba4DhaSC2Md4X9tZA0kM8lXJ1igoNbkkl_tR_f9OSbEj5CeZQgvXbHI/s1600/DSC01578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pr0ToaPmG4DAX10pBqwnhgl7Y7UcRdz9nBvOP58wcgyKnaixO9L1qyH5A45z6sAeiUrXuKlhnGOCj92Q4ckBba4DhaSC2Md4X9tZA0kM8lXJ1igoNbkkl_tR_f9OSbEj5CeZQgvXbHI/s200/DSC01578.JPG" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFMVGPtcZDea4uSHKE4X_9a1WI909zglmFMHD5BayAz02nEPEtoOwUg5gXTdQeLRH_5GN04ZK-NthpVnV9F8kB3n834fjrSwu5eTvwhcJBYgj6rNzIRfOytPV7f3RHrwk8IhYZYTsNDU/s1600/DSC01579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFMVGPtcZDea4uSHKE4X_9a1WI909zglmFMHD5BayAz02nEPEtoOwUg5gXTdQeLRH_5GN04ZK-NthpVnV9F8kB3n834fjrSwu5eTvwhcJBYgj6rNzIRfOytPV7f3RHrwk8IhYZYTsNDU/s200/DSC01579.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>22 May 2012</u><br />
<br />
Hydration: 16! (massive surprise becaues I didn't think I drank much water last night)<br />
<br />
Because I skipped dinner last night I missed any information regarding today - including when to wake up for breakfast. I woke up around 6.30am and lay in bed til around 7am umming and arhhing about whether to call MW to ask what time breakfast was. I eventually got the guts to call but found out the room phone had no dial tone so I couldn't call anyone anyway. It wasn't until I actually got up out of bed until I found the note by my door.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeSthFAEn6GAw2TCK4_71QF0Y0YC_5KTMJWQ4CrqXu_uzG5QLx5GUzDQPyei9tSfmOzqF2b7fr_d1AEfmSQ07mmtQ_IB420RCAnkjGasu2WsJlSOdi3d0asUf2R-4tpRQ637w-9N2FDo/s1600/DSC01583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeSthFAEn6GAw2TCK4_71QF0Y0YC_5KTMJWQ4CrqXu_uzG5QLx5GUzDQPyei9tSfmOzqF2b7fr_d1AEfmSQ07mmtQ_IB420RCAnkjGasu2WsJlSOdi3d0asUf2R-4tpRQ637w-9N2FDo/s320/DSC01583.JPG" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
I got ready and then snoozed until it was time for breakfast. After breakfast the Gliders went for a wander to the shops but I stayed behind. After re-painting my nails with OPI 'Fly' and 'Alpine Snow' with gold shatter on top, I slept until my alarm went off at 1pm - just enough time to get ready for lunch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE30b9W6v5DBGe6BJOLgwaAeyDwASEO0dN3yY4w7UEzGHl5RiQNGHI_XLF6KKNpN-ywD08xnqIy4V8sk75zHdMLRjWcsHwxqg1OlS-G3Da0nNfOTSXr_ybRET-QliGSnAekmLM2_grzCY/s1600/DSC01585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE30b9W6v5DBGe6BJOLgwaAeyDwASEO0dN3yY4w7UEzGHl5RiQNGHI_XLF6KKNpN-ywD08xnqIy4V8sk75zHdMLRjWcsHwxqg1OlS-G3Da0nNfOTSXr_ybRET-QliGSnAekmLM2_grzCY/s320/DSC01585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After lunch we had a team meeting to talk about ze Germans who we are playing first at this tournament. Afterwards we had some more time to ourselves. I took the plunge and bought 24 hours of internet access in my room so I could Skype hubby. The Gliders had a training session in the evening. I sat on court side while watching the others do shooting drills and a small amount of 'defence against the Germans' drills. I hate being sick. I feel like I am missing out on opportunities to make my basketball better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk01mIK51ZQbJw4wKh6Xy5Y3OyXGRcjfEv03mju6VMXCFnhQwnHESmK_whjV9Ld9ShWdxj4tpsPHRhYmTmDesbhVD7SVMPJ0OEcp7L9LkLY7H9fyvhKXuGKoTol7opk2biF6fHsBl-3EQ/s1600/DSC01581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk01mIK51ZQbJw4wKh6Xy5Y3OyXGRcjfEv03mju6VMXCFnhQwnHESmK_whjV9Ld9ShWdxj4tpsPHRhYmTmDesbhVD7SVMPJ0OEcp7L9LkLY7H9fyvhKXuGKoTol7opk2biF6fHsBl-3EQ/s320/DSC01581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dinner at the hotel was nice - some sort of port in sauce dish. The choc cake was even nicer but I couldn't finish it all. Too many bread rolls prior to cake.<br />
<br />
I have one more set of night time cold/flu tabs to take so hopefully I feel much better when I wake up tomorrow.<br />
<br />
- 98 days til London Paralympics!Clare Notthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14796941228648358338noreply@blogger.com0