Paralympics make their debut!

Recently the world has had the pleasure of experiencing the 2012 Olympics in London, England. These games were filled with many unforgettable moments of tears, smiles, and laughter. Medals were awarded to all of the victors in their respective events. The nation of England was also celebrated and recognized for its beauty and the influence and impacts that it has had upon the world over time. Now, as the London 2012 Olympics become history, the 2012 Paralympics begin giving those with impairments the opportunity to compete in sports at an elite level. The main purpose of the Paralympics is to promote and teach values of acceptance and appreciation for people with a disability.

During the Paralympics different sports are competed in on an international stage, exactly like the Olympics. These sports range from archery, sailing, swimming, and equestrian to sports more tailored for the competitors needs like sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair fencing. The competition present in the Paralympics is at the exact same intensity as the Olympics. The athletes have worked throughout their lives, overcoming challenges that most people never have to deal with, in order to represent their home nations and others facing impairments.

This is something that I believe is not really focused upon as much as it should be every two years when the Paralympics are held. The world sits beside their televisions to watch the Olympics every two years recording the events to ensure that they do not miss a moment of the Olympic experience. But when it comes to the Paralympics, people do not really pay attention to what occurs with the athletes representing their home country. I know I never really used to pay attention, or even acknowledge, the Paralympics in the past. I kind of knew it happened, but the results were not something I would check up on. Well, this year I am changing that.

I will be posting different news about the Paralympics as they unfold over the next eleven days. As I have already communicated, these people deserve as much support as we give our Olympians every two years. So if you want to follow the Paralympics 2012, go to http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/ to look at the new developments and medal count. I know it is what I will be doing. The Opening Ceremony has already occurred in London and recordings of it, as well as news of it, can be found online at You tube or the Paralympics cite.