The unveiling of the UN Convention on Rights for Persons with Disabilities Wall in the Paralympic Village took place before the start of the Games and drew a large crowd of athletes, officials and supporters. The Convention was introduced unanimously in 2006 by the delegates of the 192 UN Member Nations. It recognizes that persons with a disability have the right to participate in sporting activities with a choice between mainstream and disability-specific programmes.

The wall included a special area that was designated for athletes, coaches and team officials to sign, and show their support of the Convention. The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, wrote a special message, inspired by those associated with the Paralympic Movement.

He wrote: “The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities aims to achieve human rights and development for all. The Paralympic Games are a powerful force for advancing this objective; they inspire not only athletes, but all of us, to recognize the unlimited potential of all persons.”