British official calls for Paralympics to happen before Olympics in 2012

From GamesBids.com:

Inside The Games reports that Britain's former Home Secretary David Blunkett, who is visually impaired, Sunday called for the London 2012 Summer Paralympic Games to be held before the Olympics to help boost the event's profile.

Blunkett wrote in his weekly column in the News of the World, "the enthusiasm, anticipation and the media attention will actually touch the Paralympics if it is part of the build-up to the Games themselves.

"With a bit of ingenuity it would be possible to persuade the world's media and tourists to come that bit earlier and between the Paralympics and (Olympic) Games' Opening Ceremony to enjoy Britain's hospitality.

"But of course the real reason would be to ensure that there was a great deal more attention on those participating and their tremendous achievements".

Blunkett wrote in his column: "it (the Paralympics) has to be elevated to the run-in and not to the last post. I hope these with imagination, drive and championship quality will match the courage of the Paralympics in breaking new ground".