David Beckham hails determination of Paralympic athletes
David Beckham has heaped praise on the athletes competing in the 2012 Paralympic Games ahead of the Opening Ceremony in London on Wednesday (29Aug12).
The British ace hailed the "guts and determination" of the thousands of physically disabled competitors gearing up to take part in the sporting event, which follows the Olympic Games in the U.K. capital.
Beckham donned a blindfold to spend a day training with Great
Britain's Paralympics soccer squad last November (11), and admits
the experience left him in awe of the talented team and made him
feel "proud to be British".
In a column for Britain's Daily Mirror, he writes, "I've been
playing football all my life, but I was really out of my comfort
zone... I left there absolutely amazed at the incredible level of
skill and concentration needed to perform at the highest level of
blind football.
"They are a real testament to the quality of all our Paralympic
athletes - across all sports. And the character and determination
they show by doing this every single day makes me proud to be
British.
"It's hard for any sportsman or woman to get to the top of their
game but I marvel at the guts and dedication it must take if you
are born with a disability - or become disabled through accident or
injury. And as parents blessed with four healthy children, Victoria
and I are humbled by the strength and energy of mums and dads who
encourage their disabled children to take up sports. It can involve
real hardship and sacrifice - but there is no greater life lesson
you can give your kids than to be the very best you can."