The Olympic and Paralympic Games

www.paralympic.org
In one week the 2014 Olympic Games will begin in Sochi, Russia and athletes from around the globe will gather to compete under their national flags. We will watch amazing performances and witness record feats.  The Olympic Games afford us the occasion to see what humanity can do with dedication, concerted effort and fervent focus.

I volunteered as a driver during the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City.  Because I was driving I actually didn't see many of the events. Instead I transported members of the IOC to meetings, venues, and events.  Although I missed attending actual events I didn't have a negative experience in those three weeks.

Once the Olympic Games concluded the Paralympic Games began. In 2002 the international event competitive but small enough to feel very intimate.  My assignment was the same as I provided transportation for the the International Paralympic Committee Family.  Just like the Olympics, I never had a negative experience during the entire games.

I commend all those who make up the Paralympic Games for their kindness and unassuming nature.  I assume that because of their disabilities they were unaccustomed to  preferential treatment.  Their commitment to their sports is second to none. On my first assignment for the Paralympics I was asked to go to a hotel and pick up a coach and take him up to an important planning meeting.  When I arrived at the hotel I was surprised and a little worried that I might have been running late because he was standing out on the curb.  I didn't even get the chance to get out and open the door before he hopped in and confirmed that he was the guy I was scheduled to pick up.

As we drove to the meeting I asked him about his history with the sport and how he got involved in the Paralympics.  Turns out he wasn't always a coach. He used to be an Paralympic athlete.  I was surprised because of how quickly he had gotten into the vehicle.  He told me of the horrific motorcycle accident when he was 17 that left him without a right leg.  For 8-10 years he had competed in downhill skiing and had excelled.  Now he was coaching the athletes who were doing things he could still only dream about.

He also explained his preferences in artificial legs.  As a winter-sport athlete he preferred the wood inserts to the titanium because the titanium would conduct the cold straight to the bone.   We discussed the prejudices that people have and the awkward interactions when able bodied people feel discomfort around those with obvious physical limitations.

His humble thanks and genuine warmth gave me the perspective that I needed to see these athletes as people, not disabled.  They were amazing.

When the Olympics conclude please stay tuned from March 7-16 for the Paralympic Games.  If you can find them you will be treated to tremendous athletic performances and inspired by the enduring human spirit.

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for keeping your comments positive and helpful..

Popular posts from this blog

Merry Christmas 2013

Image
Today I thank my mother and father for their goodness, kindness and example that I hope to emulate through my years. I thank my brother Paul for his leadership. As the eldest of numerous siblings he has paved the way for us all to set goals and achieve them. My sister Kathy has always stood for that which is right.  Her virtuous living and stalwart life keeps us steady and grounded. Joanne has kept our family fun and imbued us with continued traditions.  Thank you Jody. Diane has blessed us all with the example of continual hope.  Her courage in the face of trials is a gift I remember on this Christmas Day. Elaine will give her support to anyone at any time and for any need.  I am not even sure she asks why.  Thank you for that unconditional love. Richard will get into the grind and solve any problem as quickly as it arises.  He shows me the value of not waiting and rueing but just getting in and doing it. My brother Robert, the second of the twins, keeps his youthful
Read more

Starting in the Corners

Image
My mom with two of my children As parents we watch our children learn and grow. As infants they depend on us for almost everything they need. We feed, clothe, protect and teach them all that we can so that they can enjoy a rich and full life.  We tend to recall those years with incredible fondness.  Curiously that fondness seems to grow as the years go by. In those early days and first few years we mark and celebrate the milestones.  That first smile, even if it was just gas, imprints in our mind's eye.  We celebrate or mourn those first steps depending on whether we were there to see them.  We blissfully enjoy the renewed rest as they finally sleep through the night.  And what parent doesn't rejoice at the moment a child can serve herself at a buffet? Through all of these milestone moments our children gradually become the people they will be.  But development is never even nor perfect.  There are always flaws and mistakes. But as parents to our children we encourage t
Read more

Winter

Image
In winter when gloom and dark abound, We lay our heads upon our beds with cold and dread all about. But at the start of dawn's too bright light some hope seeps in our life. For while we slept the dark black clouds emptied their feigned despair blowing down a serene blanket white. Untouched our world feels like a comforter, deceptively warm. The earth is covered with no escape. But there is no fear nor claustrophobic dread. Instead the shining moon drifts above our sleeping heads. A  continuing snowfall scatters the reflected light. Falling flakes fill the air with a brilliant array of heavenly hope. Hope that comes from this blanket so fair. The world now brimming in brilliant white. We gather our boots our scarves and our coats. We know the cold air that awaits. Our flesh is to weak to withstand the harsh blast of deep winter's icy, sharp flair. We take a step to just explore. We are vulnerable. We feel the cold. We are small.   We groan, we moan
Read more