The word "Paralympic" comes from the Greek preposition "para," which means "alongside" or "beside," combined with "Olympic." This reflects the fact that the Paralympics are held alongside the Olympic Games, offering a parallel competition for athletes with disabilities. Initially, I thought the "para" in "Paralympic" referred to "paralyzed" or "disabled," which seemed logical given the context. However, after learning the true meaning of "para," I realized the Paralympics were created to run parallel to the Olympics, offering athletes with disabilities the same opportunity to compete at the highest level, side by side with Olympic athletes.
Click this LINK to learn more about the Paralympics!!!
The Paralympics are not a lower-tier competition; rather, they offer a stage where athletes with disabilities can demonstrate their athleticism and talent at an elite level. The distinction between the two games—Olympic and Paralympic—emphasizes that the Paralympic athletes are not any less competitive or athletic than their Olympic counterparts. Their inclusion in these parallel games helps to highlight their abilities and accomplishments, not their disabilities.
Furthermore, the Paralympics cater to a wide range of impairments. The 10 Eligible Impairments are often referred to as three distinct groups. The three groups are physical impairments, vision impairment, and intellectual impairment. which are categorized into three main groups: physical impairments, vision impairments, and intellectual impairments. Each group has different classifications to ensure fair competition among athletes with similar challenges. This diversity underscores the importance of inclusivity in the world of sports and provides a more comprehensive view of athletic achievement. No matter what disability you have the Paralympics allows you to compete with the best of your ability with some of the best athletes. 
Overall, the Paralympic Games serve as an important reminder that sports are for everyone, regardless of ability, and that athletes with disabilities are just as capable of achieving greatness as anyone else. The games offer a platform where these athletes can compete, inspire, and prove their remarkable skills on the world stage.
The "Parallel Games" are held at the same time as the Olympics. I learned that the Paralympics hold the same events as the Olympics but people competing have disabilities. Just because it is the Paralympics doesn't mean these athletes are not competitive or athletic. These athletes who compete are still ranked and awarded for their performance. The main focus of the "Parallel Games" is to give people with disabilities the same opportunity to shine, perform, and showcase their talent despite their disabilities.
As a Student-Athlete here at Stockton University I value all athletes here that are able to compete at the highest level in their sport. Lacrosse was just recently added to the Olympics and I believe it should also be added to the Paralympics in order to give everyone the opportunity to compete. A sports story that connects with this topic is athlete Noelle Lambert from the University of Massachusetts Lowell who lost her leg. In response to this injury, she qualified for the Paralympics and competed in the Track and Field. She believed in herself and didn't let an injury set her back and instead competed in Track and Field where she knew she would excel.
Sources:
International Olympic Committee. (n.d.). Olympic Charter. IOC. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.olympics.com/ioc/olympic-charter
Axelrod, G. (2021, April 7). Noelle Lambert: From lacrosse star to Paralympian. Sports Illustrated. https://www.si.com/olympics/2021/04/07/noelle-lambert-lacrosse-to-paralympic-games-tokyo-olympics
Comments
Post a Comment