I see C4 have won right to show this and are making a big fuss.

But I have to say that the paralympics leaves me cold. I just cannot get excited about it.

Nothing against the disabled and if they want to hold a competition then good luck to them.

There is almost a message coming across that you are an uncaring b,astard if you don't watch and enjoy it!!

Anyone else feel the same?

David

 

I have never seen it before as i don't really watch the olympics (was about to say normal olympics but that would have opened the wrong can of worms wouldn't it )


But i do understand what you are getting at.

It's like getting a second dog and playing with the old one out of guilt

 

Some of the British team where ex soldiers who had lost limbs/injured in the war and i think it got more coverage last time around in 2008 and will in 2012 bareing in mind it is being held in the UK.

TBH i had not really heard or seen any of it or knew it was televised prior to 2008

 

Yes, it is a shame, and good luck to them for being positive, achieving great things, and pushing themselves to the limit, but is it a spectator sport for the masses?? - not for me im sad to say.

Ricky Gervais and co have a something to say:-
YouTube - Disabled Athletes

 

Always ends in a mass debate..... where a full bodied blind swimmer beats a sighted swimmer with no legs etc.

Naked female athletics is the way to go

 

wasnt there a guy with those spring loaded leg things used for running that was actually faster than the realy thing?
astraboy.

 

or 24/7 coverage of beach volleyball as a compromise

 

+1

 

I wouldn't tune in for 3 wheeled F1 racing.......

 

Dark, But funny as fvck



What was it jimmy carr said?

"say what you like about the ex army amputees, but we're going to have one fvcking great paralympics team in 2012"

 

Well, the thing is, no one should feel guilty for not watching, or feeling empathy for the things they don't genuininely want to/feel for.

It certainly gives me a buzz to see disabled athletes pushing themselves, and achieving what they were once told not to even dream of. I heard an ex-paralympian Dame Tanny Grey-Thompson in a conference lately. Her confidence, beauty, and charisma would give a serious run to many non-disbled people for their money.

I still think that no one should be made feel guilty for opting out from watching it. Disability is one of those things that many don't feel for, until a close one or they themselves become disabled. In fact, even a close one's disability can be felt as a burden to some. Hence one often has to have first hand experience of the frame of reference regarding disability.

 

I like it more than the Olympics, I find it a lot more inspirational, a lot more competitive and filled with a lot more substance.
Having said that dont feel any negative emotion if you dont like it, I dont like Rugby I dont feel bad about it. Just consider it a sport you dont like, not a sport for disabled people.

 

<sniggers> oh the irony

 

David,

It is important to distinguish between what Channel 4 might be doing and what the athletes would probably think about the 'fuss' too.

Most of the paralympic athletes I know don't want to be promoted as freaks. In their daily lives some of them run very successful businesses and train very, very hard in their spare time to build themselves up physically for their chosen sport.

All of the athletes I know of were walking once until an accident put paid to that. Mentally they are no different and physically they personally feel the need to achieve something for which they work damned hard for.

It isn't going to be everyones cup of tea to watch and it shouldn't be a case of feeling like you're forced to watch or be labelled uncaring. Caring is the wrong word in any case and just goes to show how even promoting our Paralympic Games to the extent you mention, viewers fail to see it is respect not care that should be forthcoming.

The Paralympians would put most of the country to shame with their work ethic and sheer dedication over adversity. They are competing against each other at a high standard. A standard in some events that would leave able bodied competitors trailing by a large margin, like for like.

 

I agree with Turbohot. It is entirely a personal matter whether you want to watch it or not.

I feel the same as Timwinner, I admire the way they overcome their disabilities through sheer grit and determination and I enjoy seeing the remarkable performances that they produce.

If you don't want to watch it-that is entirely your own affair.

Les

 

Congratulations on understanding the intention

 

I remember watching an interview with Dame Tanny when she became Dame, very impressed with her attitude and commitment and enthusiasm.

 

Totally agreed. Once you have watched or met her, her non-disabled and ever-charged personality is so bright to even re-think of her as someone with a physical disability. Brilliant speaker as well, with great sense of humour and ample charm.

 

I would rather watch that than the overpaid bunch of fannies that inhabit the world of football, 150 grand a week, usually selfish and ego driven obsessed with themselves.

 

Yep , she is one amazing lady.

Chip

 

Im not mad on the olympics so I wont watch this either.

You've got to take your hat off though to these disabled athletes. The determination of these people to succeed despite their ailments is 2nd to none.