It is only on rare occasions that one gets invited to Downing Street so it was very quickly that I accepted my invitation to a media briefing with Prime Minister David Cameron this week at the most famous address in Britain.

The briefing followed a meeting in Downing Street hosted by the Prime Minister to discuss the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A number of high profile figures were in attendance, including International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge and London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe. But it was clear to see the importance that Cameron placed on the Paralympics when International Paralympic Committee (IOC) President Sir Philip Craven and chief executive Xavier Gonzalez were both named as attendees.

As I and my colleagues from the media were shuffled through the rather unglamorous side entrance of Downing Street rather than the iconic black front door at Number 10, and had our phones confiscated for good measure for 'security' reasons, we eventually found ourselves in a very grand room with three impressive stands at the front.

All soon became clear as Cameron, flanked by the IOC President and the London 2012 chairman, took their positions behind the trio of great pillars.


"It was fantastic to meet with IOC President Jacques Rogge and IPC President Sir Philip Craven," Cameron began, making a clear gesture to Sir Philip in the front row.

"The Olympics and Paralympics will be the greatest show on earth," he continued, putting clear emphasis on the latter competition.

"It's an extraordinary honour for the UK and we intend to repay that faith."

Throughout the briefing, the Prime Minister continually made reference to the Paralympic Games, often referring to the "inspirational" value they had and revealing that he constantly receives letters from people inspired by the capabilities of those with disabilities. He also said that the huge investment in transport that had been made ahead of the Games means that more areas in east London than ever before are now accessible for wheelchair users.

It was not long before the IOC President joined in making clear that London 2012 could not be hailed a success until the conclusion of the Paralympics.

"We are confident we will have a great Games here in London," said Rogge.

"The proof of the pudding is in the eating and we will not know for sure until the conclusion of the Paralympics and not before then."


The briefing would have been music to the ears of Sir Philip, who actually has more involvement in the London 2012 project than nearly anyone else.

Let us not forget that in addition to his considerable role as IPC President (which he has held since 2001) Sir Philip is also an IOC member as well as a London 2012 board member.

He was the first to reveal how impressed he had been with the attitude of the Prime Minister towards the London 2012 Paralympics.

"It was a pleasure to meet the Prime Minister to discuss the final preparations for the London 2012 Paralympic Games," the IPC President said.

"There was a real sense of excitement and anticipation in the air.

"The British Government has always been extremely supportive of the Paralympic Games and it was pleasing to hear Mr Cameron talk about how the Games are helping to improve accessibility in the capital and the importance of Paralympians in helping to deliver London 2012's legacy, especially in terms of inclusion."

Gonzalez also revealed that the special visit to the English capital had seen the IPC updated by London 2012 on plans for the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony which will take place on September 9.


"What London 2012 has planned for the Closing Ceremony is extremely impressive," said the IPC chief executive.

"I must congratulate all the team involved as what they are creating is nothing short of spectacular.

"The Closing Ceremony will certainly be memorable and definitely an event not to be missed."

For a long time, Sir Philip has been quietly suggesting that if everything goes to plan at London 2012, he will be saying in front of the world at the Closing Ceremony that they are greatest Paralympic Games of all time despite the success of Beijing 2008.

And following the meeting with the Prime Minister at Downing Street, he can be more confident than ever that he will get the chance to say them for real come September 9 at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.

Tom Degun is a reporter for insideworldparasport and insidethegames