HOW do you get teams of wheelchair users from Europe to the London Paralympics when normal train services have such limited wheelchair spaces?
Easy – adapt the train!
That’s what Eurostar have done to ensure the French and Belgian athletes make it to the Games.
Two of their trains have been modified to carry up to 18 wheelchair users – allowing the teams to travel together.
GB javelin medal favourite, Nathan Stephens was among a trio of Paralympians helping to unveil the modifications.
He said: “Travelling as one team to the Games is important for team bonding, so it is great to see how Eurostar is modifying its operations.
“I hope that the efforts by Eurostar will inspire other transport providers across the world, as well as for next Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016.”
Nicolas Petrovic, chief executive of Eurostar, said; “The project has been a source of inspiration for our entire business, and is part of our commitment to making high-speed rail travel easy, accessible and enjoyable for all.”
Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland(r) Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.
ALL ABOARD: Pictured above – Nathan Stephens, left; Nicolas Petrovic, chief executive Eurostar; Annick Sevenans (Belgium tennis); and Moez el Assine (France fencing)
