THE Paralympic Games will be a fantastic sporting spectacle and we wish the athletes from Oxfordshire well.

Those competing are at the top of their game and will relish performing on the biggest stage of all. Just like the Olympics earlier this month, stars and inspirational stories will emerge.

The athletes have all made long and difficult journeys to London 2012 characterised by dedication, determination and sacrifice.

And the competitors, like Natasha Baker and Nathan Smith, have not let disability be a barrier to achieving at the very highest level.

Away from the events, our torchbearers, such as Dave Bracher, have also refused to let disability limit ambition.

The mental toughness shown by these men and women, in addition to the physical exertion, is phenomenal.

They serve as inspiration to all of us. But first and foremost the games are about elite athletes competing for the ultimate prize.

And once that cauldron is lit, it is all about winning. It will be a fantastic festival of sport.

We can’t wait for it to start.