GO FOR THE GOLD AT THE 2012 PARALYMPIC GAMES
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
The London Summer Olympics 2012 came to a glorious end but now another competition is currently taking place known as the Paralympic Games being held in London from August 29 through September 9, 2012.
President Obama sent a Presidential Delegation on behalf of the United States to open the games on August 29,2012. Members included: U.S. Army General Martin E. Dempsey, 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who led the delegation, The Honorable Louis B. Susman, Ambassador of the United States to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and North Ireland, The Honorable Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, Mr. Kareem A. Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy, The White House, Ms. Jean Driscoll, U.S. two-time Olympic silver medalist, five-time Paralympic gold medalist, three-time Paralympic silver medalist, and four-time Paralympic bronze medalist, Ms. Sharon Hedrick, U.S. two-time Olympic gold medalist, six-time Paralympic gold medalist, four-time Paralympic silver medalist and two-time Paralympic bronze medalist and Mr. Larry T. Hughes, U.S. Paralympic gold medalist.
This marks the 14th anniversary of the games with close to 4200 athletes from 164 nations competing for the chance to win a gold, silver or bronze medal. These driven athletes do not let their disabilities stand in their way as they pursue their dreams and aspirations. The competitors strive to be the best at their respective sport in order to make their country proud. They have put a massive amount of effort and practice towards the competition in order to represent their sport in front of the world.
At this point in time, People’s Republic of China is leading in the medal count followed by Great Britain and then the Russian Federation.
The schedule is made up of the games of Archery, Boccia, Powerlifting, Sailing, Shooting, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Table Tennis and Wheelchair Basketball among others.
It is no doubt very hard work to stay out in front but these determined individuals are all up for the challenge. With smiles on their faces and a winning spirit to match, they go for the gold.
Richard Whitehead of Great Britain is the double leg amputee who rose to victory in the Paralympic T42 200 meter going from 5th all the way to 1st place. He earned a gold medal while setting a new world record time on Saturday. Ellie Simmonds, also from Great Britain, is a paralympic swimmer who felt the excitement of the fans as she surpassed the swimming record and made history in the SM6 200 meter individual medley heat. At only 17 years old, she has already set a world record.
These are just a couple of the victory stories giving us inspiration and a sense of honor. There are many more to take place in the next week.
For more up to the minute coverage and to see how your favorite athlete is doing, go to: www.london2012.com/paralympics/.
PHOTO CREDITS: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian, Lynne Cameron/PA, AP and Getty Images
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