So, the British Olympic team return home triumphant, bedecked in medals aplenty. It has been a remarkable achievement, built on a decision to take sport seriously, and finally throw off the last vestiges of a 'gentlemen vs players' attitude where wanting to win was seen as a little vulgar. Anyways, well done!
What has struck me most about the last seventeen days of Olympic fervour, perhaps not surprisingly, has been the complete absence of any mention of the Paralympics. From the first beat of the opening ceremony to the last case off the baggage carousel at Heathrow I have not heard a single mention of the forthcoming Paralympics in Beijing. Could it be that the previous coverage has been encouraged by the success of Dame Tanni et al following a less successful Olympic performance by 'Team GB' (presumably NOT Gordon Brown)?
Perhaps I just didn't pay as much attention myself, although I distinctly remember being impressed by the staging and coverage of the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney. I particularly remember reading how schools all over Australia had received tickets to attend Paralympic events, assuring large crowds as well as providing positive role models for children that may have helped to shape more positive attitudes in the next generation.
That being said, I'm sure I am particularly soppy about the Paralympics on account of my having done much of my rehab in the old Archery gym at Stoke Mandeville, where it all began in 1948. And to think they've knocked it down now. Shameful...
Perhaps things will change once the event gets underway, and I notice that the BBC will be providing daily coverage online as well as a nightly review on BBC2.
It's just that it would be good to see closer links between the two events, and at least mention of the forthcoming Paralympics during the fortnight of the Olympic games. Personally, I would like to see the two events staged simultaneously, if not merged. A logistical nightmare perhaps, but it would be great to see.
What has struck me most about the last seventeen days of Olympic fervour, perhaps not surprisingly, has been the complete absence of any mention of the Paralympics. From the first beat of the opening ceremony to the last case off the baggage carousel at Heathrow I have not heard a single mention of the forthcoming Paralympics in Beijing. Could it be that the previous coverage has been encouraged by the success of Dame Tanni et al following a less successful Olympic performance by 'Team GB' (presumably NOT Gordon Brown)?
Perhaps I just didn't pay as much attention myself, although I distinctly remember being impressed by the staging and coverage of the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney. I particularly remember reading how schools all over Australia had received tickets to attend Paralympic events, assuring large crowds as well as providing positive role models for children that may have helped to shape more positive attitudes in the next generation.
That being said, I'm sure I am particularly soppy about the Paralympics on account of my having done much of my rehab in the old Archery gym at Stoke Mandeville, where it all began in 1948. And to think they've knocked it down now. Shameful...
Perhaps things will change once the event gets underway, and I notice that the BBC will be providing daily coverage online as well as a nightly review on BBC2.
It's just that it would be good to see closer links between the two events, and at least mention of the forthcoming Paralympics during the fortnight of the Olympic games. Personally, I would like to see the two events staged simultaneously, if not merged. A logistical nightmare perhaps, but it would be great to see.
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