2016 marked the second occasion that the Paralympic Flame started its official journey to the host city, from Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birth place of the Paralympic movement.
To celebrate our area’s unique link to this international sporting occasion, the town provided a variety of events for you to take part in. The biggest one that was open to all, took place in Vale Park where everyone was invited to join the Flame Celebration in true Rio Carnival style. Visitors were entertained by colorful and flamboyant carnival dancers, fire breathing stilt walkers and hoola-hoopists. Music and entertainment was brought to you live from the team at Mix96, alongside performances from the award winning Aylesbury Cheerleading Academy and the Disability Karate Federation, showing that anyone can take part in Ikkaido. Tom Smith’s Fun Fair were at the event too, with special ramps to aid access to the rides, as well as having low sensory times, so that those with multi-sensory disorders could also enjoy the thrill of a fair-ground ride. This was the first time that such an all-inclusive fun fair was provided in the area.
In addition to all of this great free fun and entertainment, there was a bar, and catering from Comida Brasil a traditional Brazilian style BBQ, to experience all of the sounds, smells and flavour of a vibrant Rio Carnival.
Representatives from a wide range of disability groups and services were also at the event to provide information and support to those who may need to access there services either now or in the future.
At just after 8pm, once the Heritage Flame was officially lit at the lighting ceremony in Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the Parade of Light entered and circle Vale Park. This was a bright and colourful carnival procession of 500 disabled people, carrying flags and banners especially made for the event. The Parade of Light was led by the Heritage Flame, carried by Bob O’Shea, former Paralympic Rugby captain, Luke Delahunty, Invictus games participant, they were accompanied by the Torque Tambor Samba band and all of our carnival dancers.
The Parade of Light then continue, as the Flame was passed hand-to-hand around the park in a symbolic uniting the Flame with the people of Buckinghamshire. 100’s of people applied to be part of the the passing of the Flame, by being a Golden Flame Ticket holder. The celebrations then culminated when the Flame crossed the park to light an amazing firework display.
All of this spectacular, sensational, carnival fun and entertainment was brought to the town by Aylesbury Town Council, Aylesbury Vale District Council and Buckinghamshire Disability Services (BuDS), with the support of the event sponsor Sportif Citroen and media partner Mix96.
Buckinghamshire Disability Services (BuDS) is an independent charity which speaks up for the interests of local disabled people. Their focus is breaking down barriers and finding new answers. They are run by disabled people for disabled people, and their combined experience, specialist knowledge and innovative approach gives them unique insight to help others.
