The Paralympics are being held in Rio this week, but the media
coverage has been a mere blip against the constant stream of news. Those who
are immersed in the disability community are excited about the feats of these
athletes, but it feels like the general public either doesn't know about or
doesn't care about the games. I would like to think that the indifference is
because the games are not receiving the same hype as the Olympics. Perhaps the
timing is less than opportune as households across the country are struggling
to regain a sense of normalcy with the new school year schedule. Whatever the
reason, the reception has felt deflating.
This past Sunday, four Paralympians ran the 1500 faster than it
was run during the Olympic finals. Sadly this amazing feat has been
unrecognized and the athletes did not receive their due mentions on Sport
Center and in the sports pages. The four
runners are completely blind yet ran faster than the Olympic gold medalist at
the same distance. If you ask me, that's incredible and definitely newsworthy!
Some Paralympic competitions are being streamed online and a
select few have dedicated television viewing times on select NBC channels.
Juxtaposed against the nonstop, multi channel coverage of the Olympics last
month, the Paralympic Game coverage feels woefully inadequate. Of course, I am
probably biased because I have several friends who are competing in the
games. I feel slighted on their behalf.
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