Entry #7: Paralympics and NCT

Just 2 months ago, I watched and followed almost every Olympic event on TV. Coverage on the event was plentiful, updated frequently. Being hyped up by the media coverage about the major sports event, I was excited to watch many sportsmen in their various expertise. Gymnastic, synchronised swimming, diving, triathlon, windsurfing, boxing, weight-lifting and so much more...

However, after Olympics ended, Paralympics was supposed to be next. Isn't it? Flipping through the newspapers and channel surfing did not excite me so much as Olympics. Coverage were minimal and Paralympics seemed to be forgotten. In fact, many people were sharing the same feelings of media hegemony as me. Some wrote to the sports editor of NYtimes online to express their disappointment, as linked here - "IN-BOX; With Games Over, Paralympics Deserve Attention"

I do feel somewhat unjust for the Paralympians, considering the greater effort made to achieve in sports despite their disabilities and inconveniences. As quoted from this journal, "The games should also serve as a reminder of these athletes’ courage and perseverance, not to mention a celebration of their athleticism." Nevertheless, it is true that the stigma and negative stereotypes of these athletes are slowly changing for the better. And perhaps the gatekeepers of the media would, by then, be convinced to show equal media treatment for both major sporting event every quadrennial.

On a lighter note, thanks to the development of new media, we can still find some reports about Paralympics. For that, I am able to learn more about our local paralympians for their commendable feat to obtain 1 Gold and 2 Silver from Paralympics. Their successes had laid the first steps to gathering interest and attention from media and masses. Like what Mr Loh mentioned in this comment, it is indeed better if masses get opportunities to view the live telecast of the action in the Paralympics events.

Perhaps the time would come for us to experience and be inspired like journalist, Ms Sim, from her experience in covering the Paralympic event. The difficulties and passion from the Paralympians to overcome physical and mental obstacles show how powerful the human spirit is. In fact, local stereotypes, that sportsmen usually come from the elite group, serve to be a discouraging factor for some late sports bloomers.

Henceforth, with the nearing of Youth Olympics in Singapore, more exposure to all forms of sports like the Paralympics should be encouraged. Aspiring young athletes may even be inspired by the humble human spirit to pursue their sports dream. The inspiring stories from the events should also serve to be purposeful in reflecting on ourselves. What is your take on this?