Watch the UK Channel 4 Promo Video to see a different side of the Paralympics
Do you know that the Paralympics are on? Are you watching? Do you encourage your kids to watch it?
The Paralympic Games have begun in London and are undoubtedly a strong testament to dogged perseverance and unyielding determination. The Paralympian athletes can teach us a lot about the importance of strength and courage. These are the values we should be teaching our children. We should encourage our children to look for and appreciate diversity and different abilities every day. Encourage your kids to watch the paralympians and to see for themselves the incredible capabilities of each of these athletes.
What channel is showing the Paralympic Games in Australia?
ABC1 and ABC2 are the Official Broadcasters of the Paralympic games.
When did they start?
The Four Paralympic flames were lit on the highest peaks of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Island this week and tickets for the Games are nearly completely sold out, according to the BBC, with over 2.3 million tickets sold already. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19346880, 2012)
The 2012 Paralympics will be held in London from 29th August to 9th September and will be the 14th edition of the games.
The Paralympics are unique in that they are an elite multi-sport competition to athletes from a range of impairment groups. Elaine Peart, who was the first person to carry the Paralympic flame this year and has bipolar disorder said” I hope it will help people realize that people do have more to offer and that a disability doesn’t need to set you back.” (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19333610, 2012)
Why are the Paralympics called Paralympics?
The word “Paralympic” derives from the Greek preposition “Para” (beside or alongside) and “Olympics” because the Paralympics are the parallel Games to the Olympics. The prefix does not refer to paraplegia.
Did you know Wheelchair rugby is a paralympian sport?
While it is played a little differently from what Australians are used to in Rugby Union or Rugby League, the fundamentals are the same. The aim is to score goals by crossing the opposing team’s goal line while in possession of the ball. The ball may be passed, thrown, batted, rolled, dribbled or carried in any direction. The team scoring the most goals by the end of the game is declared the winner.
Wheelchair Rugby Player Greg Smith is the flagbearer for this year’s Australian Paralympic Team. London 2012 will be his fifth and final games. He has also won three gold, three silver and two bronze medals as a wheelchair track athlete.
Which World Leader gave a special address to Olympians and Paralympians in his weekly address?
Barack Obama on August 4th, 2012.
Resources:
http://www.paralympics.org.uk/about-us/faqs
http://rugby.sports.org.au/info.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19346880,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19333610,
