We only noticed this was on when I flicked the telly on early PM, and after a late lunch we beetled over for the last hour or so of the athletics.

There was so much space in the stadium that we were able to move about and watch the women's long jump, men's high jump and discus finals as well as sitting feet from the men starting the 200m wheelchair final, also at the start of the men's 100m sprint final, and right at the trackside for the men's 800m running race and the wheelchair pursuit final.

Highlights included seeing Oscar Pretorius, who won the 100m sprint final in 11.87s. He was having a slow day because the track was wet and he had no spikes on his artificial limbs. He has neither leg, and uses these quite cool looking curvy blades as artificial legs. I had seen him on telly earlier winning his 200m semi final and being interviewed, and he is definitely from the Roger Black/ Colin Jackson school of charm and good looks. Apparently he is still virtually a junior, and came 6th in the National Athletics finals of South Africa at 200m (ie against the very best of the country's non - handicapped athletes). He is hoping to improve sufficiently to represent his country at the next (regular) Olympics. Also the high jump proved to be a particular favourite with the children, as well as cheering on the British athlete Daniel Crates to victory in a time of 1:57:04 in the amputees 800m final.

The children had some understanding of what track and field is all about - I took them to a running track a couple of weeks ago and they did a couple of 100s and a 400 and then timed me taking 19s to do the 100m. I said "give me the stopwatch you're obviously doing it wrong", timed myself and took 20s. Apparently doing no exercise for 10 years plus is not the best way to preserve one's fitness!

I also hope when they reflect back on what they have seen that they will learn something about being positive and thinking in terms of what can be achieved rather than what can't.

I thought I'd mention this, because I wonder how many people know about such events. Although the announcer told us it was well attended for a paralympic event, the crowd to me seemed disappointingly tiny compared to the immense talent and world quality of the athletes - I believe at the Paralympics in Australia the stadia were packed.

Whilst the regular world cup is every 4 years, the paralympic world cup in Manchester is held every year. We will certainly make an effort to go to the next one - I have never been to a "regular" athletics meet, but they really would have to be pretty special to come anywhere near this. I can thoroughly recommend making the effort to anyone who has a similar event occurring near to them.

I generally watch the paralympic things on the TV, but I don't know that much about the events.

you still here Nicki Flute!

I trust you've had enough lemonade to keep you going