The athletes are inspiring not only for those with similar afflictions, but also for the rest of us to appreciate our own good fortune. One simple example was explained in a running race where the contestants had one arm that had been amputated or otherwise defective. They all had balancing and co-ordinating problems, something most of us don't think of.
Fans could get very excited when their team won The French had the hometown advantage.
Classification is detailed to ensure fair competition. To ensure fair competition some sports have set up weight divisions as it is no fun to watch a 250 pound man beat a 110 pounder. A few years I watched a game in a new professional basketball league that required a team to maintain an average height. And of course we have separated the sexes. Competition is most enjoyable when opposing sides are fair.
My 1st acquaintance with Paralympics was back in 1976 when Etobicoke hosted the Paralympics as Montreal had hosted the Olympics, but didn't want to bothered with another lesser event. I was able to get a press pass and watch some of the events. Not nearly as grandiose as the 2024 version, but I will never forget watching Arnie Boldt set a record for an amputee high jump. I was actually there to watch wheelchair basketball. At that time Israel was a dominant team for two reasons: wars had created a lot of amputees and secondly the government wanted to support these casualties and wheelchair basketball was seen as a useful tool.
China once claimed they had no defective people and declined to participate. However in their desire to host the Olympics they got tied into the Paralympics. Since hosting their own Paralympics they have come to dominate.
Some things I found fascinating for the 2024 Paralympics.
Runners with guides. The guide has to be at least as fast as the contestant, but has to restrain from dragging or diverting the runner. Trust (and practice)is essential.
Some team sports allowing greater participation that were fun to watch included sitting volleyball (never saw the 8'2" Iranian), blind football (soccer) and wheelchair basketball .
Sheetal Devi, an armless archer from India demonstrated using her feet she could hit a bullseye. Another armless woman, Sumeyye Boyaci, a swimmer from Turkey showed she could win against lesser handicapped women.
Nicholas Bennett provided a highlight. When he turned for the last 50 meters of the 100 breaststroke he was third and I thought he might accept that, but he didn't. He dug down and and won. A good choice for flag bearer
Political interests did play a role. A Palestinian commentator pointed out when he was younger there were not a lot of handicapped people in his area, but with Gaza having erupted there will be many more. There were athletes congregated representing refugees and they won some medals. Another group represented athletes from countries barred, but if agreed to no presence in the marching parades, no national anthems they could participate. This last group was not as noticeable in other Olympics and Paralympics, but did win a few medals. Another group did receive extra attention was Ukrainian who got loud chairs as they marched in during the Opening Ceremony.
Paris has always been touted for romance and artistic pursuits and they lived up to their reputation. They had a lot of historical buildings, but also some impressive modern structures.
Both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies put on a mesmerizing show. Choreography may have seem to be restricted, but actually a clever use of canes and wheelchair added excitement. An old voice got my attention as favorite Charles Aznavour was heard on tape. Live was Lucky Love who is a popular singer who has only part of one arm. I loved the background of piano and cello music.
In a previous blog "Chandu Champion" I avoided the movie ending to encourage people to watch it. The truth revealed in the movie is the medal that was hidden was for the 1972 Paralympics. Furthermore during the credits the real Murlikant Petkar is shown and more of a description. of winning a gold medal at the Paralympics. See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/08/chandu-champion.html
One does not wish more handicaps on humanity, but one positive thing is recognition that everyone has abilities and is entitled to enjoy life as much as possible.
Read about the 2024 Olympics http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/08/olympics-2024.html
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