As many of you may have noticed, I’m a little bit excited about an upcoming event in the world of international multi-sport competition. Tomorrow begins the 14th Summer Paralympic Games!
What is the Paralympics exactly you say old chap?
By the numbers it is 4,200 athletes from 165 countries competing in 20 sports such as swimming, cycling, wheelchair rugby, and sitting volleyball.
The majority of competitors have physical disabilities that are subject to a classification system to level the playing field. Medals are awarded just like in the parallel event the Olympics and in a similar fashion with all the expectation and drama hearts do get broken.
You may have seen one of the stars of last year’s games competing for South Africa in the Olympics. His name is Oscar Pistorius and he was pretty darn amazing in track and field, a double amputee qualifying for the semifinals of the men’s 400m.
I would encourage you to not stop watching there. Team USA and the other Paralympic athletes will continue to need support. Currently, no U.S. broadcast or cable company has plans to show any live coverage of the events. Your best bet to catch the action is to watch online at www.paralympic.org. You can also find daily video highlights via the US Paralympic YouTube channel.
Since coverage of the games will be hard to find on American television sets. I’ve come up with ways to get in the spirit and what to watch for in the coming days. GO TEAM USA!
Learn the names of some of the athletes. Team USA at the London Olympics had a Destinee Hooker on the women’s volleyball team. Not to be outdone, the Paralympics will have ones to watch for out on the court such as James Stuck (USA) in sitting volleyball. There will also be a Blake Leeper, a medal contender in Track and Field, and Mary Stack hefting up the load in Powerlifting.
Team GB will have a Sarah Storey to tell about in cycling and no lie Sophie Wells riding Pinocchio in the Equestrian competition. Robin Williams may even appear for a spot in 5 on a side football. The Brits James Roe is sure to take home gold in the rowing and my money is on Vicky Widdup to be the spark to rally her teammates in sitting volleyball “Hey, Wid up?!”
Team Australian is bringing a young upstart who hopes to lap the field, Jake Lappin, born Sept. 11, 1992, he competes in Athletics 400m, 800m, and can do push ups without using his legs!
Finally, there’s team Canada, who has an entrant who may or may not appear in a number of events. Richard Peter (Dick Peter?) an all-round athlete competing in tennis, athletics, and unsanctioned at least at this Games event…ball hockey.
After learning some names, you might host a Paralympic party. Push Grandma up to the ping pong table, put a jersey on her and tell her it’s now table tennis. Get Grandpa into the modern games. Just roll him outta bed in a sheet (he's been to ancient Greece!) and let him play some Wii bowling.
No, no, no…
Give your party a theme like “Get in the Game!”
Pick your night. I would suggest Thursday Sept. 6 for the much anticipated Men’s T44 100m final or Friday Sept. 7 for the finals of women’s sitting volleyball. Both events should stream live at www.paralympic.org at 10pm EST.
In the Men’s 100m final, watch to see if “Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius will maintain his dominance over an up and coming field of competitors that include reigning world champion USA’s Jerome Singleton and his fellow American Blake Leeper. Team GB will also have a star to watch, Jonnie Peacock strutting his stuff after recently having set a world record time.
or
Invite friends and neighbors over, lower the backyard volleyball net and host your own sitting volleyball tournament!
Game on!
Carrying over the competition of the Olympic overall medal count, the expected final will pit longtime rivals USA vs. China. After bringing home the silver in Bejing 2008 and finishing second at the World Championships, Team USA is looking to finally reach the top of the podium and best Team China for the gold.
Okay...
Remember the Paralympic Games will be here tomorrow and ready for viewing at http://www.youtube.com/user/USParalympics1/feed ! These athletes will continue to inspire hope and energize spirits through sport and competition. "Spirit in Motion" is the motto of they pledge. Lend your support and let's keep them rollin'.
