So, who's pysched up for the Paralympics?
 

After the Olympics ended, which were great (I went to two events), I was getting withdrawal symptoms, but now with the Paralympics coming up in a few days I'm getting all excited again! I've already booked to see one event, the athletics next Saturday evening, and may try for another! Cant wait! http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...s/excited1.gif

Not me.

Some of the sports like wheel chair basket ball are actually pretty hardcore and better than the normal version IMO. But I don't agree with a lot of the categories, like the 'intellectual impairments' one. Since the olympics (whether the regular or para) should be about the best athletes in the world. If someone with an intellectual impairment was really good, there is no reason they couldn't compete in the regular olympics. But they aren't physically good enough.

Of course there is nothing wrong with trying giving people a sense of self worth and achievement, but doing it this way just ends up demeaning everyone else taking part.

I usually watch the paralympics.

Here's some facts on my life's history. Before I went back to college for my degrees in IT. I was a welder for a sport wheelchair company. I made the chair Saul Mendoza used to win the Silver Medal in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and the Gold in the Para-Olympic games. I've also made a bunch of the chairs that were used in the Quad Rugby event and made chairs for a bunch of the athletes in the movie "Murder Ball". I've met quite a number of the guys in that movie also, including Mark Zupan (the guy that was shot off a dock with a rocket chair in one of the "Jackass" movies, though I did not build that chair for him).

That's interesting, thanks. http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...ies/smile1.gif

This is expected to be the most highly attended Paralympics ever! 2.5 million tickets are being made available (more than any previous Paralympics), most of which have already gone. More are being put on sale each day, but they go FAST (like in a couple of minutes - demand is that high).

--- Post Update ---

They're expecting the first ever sell out!

What I'm finding hard to get to grips with is how theve let a paralympian run in both the olympics. a

Why not?

OHP, is that you? http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...es/unsure1.gif

I've actually participated in some local Special Olympics events, and I can tell you from firsthand experience that that is not true. I doubt you'll find any participants in these games that would find their role in them demeaning. Especially when they have thousands of screaming fans cheering for them in the stands!

How many medals did you win?

He was talking about the other athletes. I'm not sure I agree with his point though.

Guys, simmer down.

Just got myself a Velodrome ticket! http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...lies/cool1.gif

*sound of record player needle scratching across record*


Did you just use the term 'psyched' Bungle?

I believe I did.

Awesome dude. http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...lies/cool1.gif

Thread locked on OP's request.

Thread cleaned up and re-opened. Any deviation from the actual thread (including attacks) will be dealt with accordingly.

I LOL'ed

I didn't realize the name had been changed to "paralympics".

Changed? It's always been called that.

Edit: Well at least (officially) since 1988.

I just got a £20.12 Closing Ceremony ticket! http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...s/excited1.gif