Paralympics 2008

[Guest Baabaa Productions]

The 2008 Paralympics started on the 6th September in China. Here is a background to the games.

Mark

 

This will be the 13th Summer Paralympics. They began in 1960 (which were then known as the Stoke Mandeville Games, and were held in Athens), but only started being held in conjunction with the Olympic Games in the year 1988. It is now officially practiced, that each hosting country of the Olympics, will also host the Paralympic Games, preceded by both Summer and Winter Olympics.

 

Of course, it only makes good sense, being the venues are already in place when a country hosts the Olympics. What better way for a country to make use of the facilities and venues, at great expense to each country in constructing such venues. It only seems appropriate to host the Paralympics immediately after as well.

 

Just as with the Summer Games, the Paralympics will commence with a parade of nations. There will be 145 countries represented, with approximately 4000 athletes vying for the medals. Several countries will be competing for the first time, which should make this a very exciting Paralympic year. There will be more countries to cheer on, and more countries to take pride in their athletes. The competition should be fierce.

 

There will be twenty sports represented at these Olympics. They will include archery, athletics, boccia (also referred to as bocci ball), cycling, equestrian, football, goalball, judo, power lifting, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, volleyball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.

 

[James]

Thanks!