In previous discussions on this topic one of the factors for the name
of Paralympics is that they are run in parallel to the non-disabled
olympics. Other factors for not joining the two events is size; with
incorporating all the events and the classification needed the event
would be too huge for one single outing. The main thing is that
Disabled athletes can participate in the events at the Olympic games
if they meet the qualifying standards. You only have to look at the
women's 10km swim in which one of the competitors was an amputee and
of course I'm opening myself up for a raft of emails but the other
athlete who could qualify is Michael Phelps. As someone who has
competed at a fairly high level at Disabled games in New Zealand I had
no wish to compete at Olympics because I wouldn't be competing against
my peers.
I guess it is a personal choice - I started competing over 30 years
ago and have long since retired and I'm perfectly happy on the
continuum of the Paralympics being held separately while I did watch
some of the Olympics I will watch more of the Paralympics because they
mean so much more to me. Personally and this is my personal view
there is a continuum in disability and I'm alot further down the
continuum and very happy with my stance, however it doesn't mean that
I won't listen or take on board what others have to say or feel. I
just ask that my view is also given the fair hearing that sometimes
doesn't happy in the Disability community.
Regards
Russell
Russell Vickery
On 25/08/2008, at 3:36 PM, Joni Yulianto wrote:
>> This has been also my concern for a long time.
>>
>> In Indonesia, we have the national sport competition and the
>> national sport competition for disabled held one after the other
>> once four years. Even for type of sport competition which in my
>> view could be held inclusively like chess, it is kept to be held
>> separately. I think they are following the international level
>> (olimpic and paralimpic).
>>
>> Regard, Joni
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Maria" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 3:37 PM
>> Subject: Beijing Olympics and Paralympics
>>
>>
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