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UK Paralympian stripped of medal because "not disabled enough"
Rebecca Chin was stripped of her discus silver medal this week after the International Paralympic Committee decided she was "not disabled enough".
Tim Jones, performance director for the GB squad, decalred Chin had been "hung out to dry" due to the "the failure of the IPC classification system".
Chin, bewildered by the events unfolding around her, put a brave face on the decision. "I'm obviously disappointed with the outcome but I'm proud to have represented Great Britain at the Paralympic Games," she said.
This poor girl trained hard and had been reclassified a number of times to put her in the correct group. To then have her medal stripped doesn't feel in the spirit of the games. Rebecca Chin was stripped of her discus silver medal this week after the International Paralympic Committee decided she was "not ... more -
Time's up for Chinese guide dogs
I was outraged to read today that, following the close of the Paralympics, guide dogs will no longer be allowed in all public places and on public transport, and will have to go back to the status of ordinary pet dogs. Apparently, the leniency on guide dogs was only temporarily issued for the duration of the Olympics. There is no accredited organisation for guide dogs in China, which is probably part of the problem, since no-one can say that a dog has been properly or adequately trained. There are also size issues, since in Beijing a person cannot currently own a dog taller than 35cm, which rules out many of the most suitable guide dog breeds such as golden retrievers and alsatians.
Looks like these recent allowances made for guide dogs in the capital was more to allow foreign disabled athletes to bring their dogs, and pay a sort of lip service to equality. I really hope there's going to be some serious and effective protest from the disability lobby about this. I was outraged to read today that, following the close of the Paralympics, guide dogs will no longer be allowed in all public places a... more -
Paralympics: Iran refuses to play US
Iranian wheelchair basketball team refuses to compete against US in move assumed to be preemptive measure against later meeting Israeli team. Iranian official: 'Move not political, has to do with game times'
Continued..... Iranian wheelchair basketball team refuses to compete against US in move assumed to be preemptive measure against later meeting Israel... more -
Have you been watching the Paralympics?
Both Great Britain and America have already had a great medal haul at this year's Paralympics (with 9 and 8 respectively presently being reported) but are many people following the games?
As the Chinese slogan puts it : Two Games, Equal Splendour. The press coverage of the Olympic Games compared to the Paralympics suggests there's definitely more interest in the former.
At the Olympics, 'cheerleaders' were employed to fill the stadium. The Paralympics uses the same stadiums but twice as many 'cheerleaders' are required.
Are you watching? What are your thoughts on the difference in popularity? Both Great Britain and America have already had a great medal haul at this year's Paralympics (with 9 and 8 respectively presentl... more -
What about the Paralympics?
It seems that many has forgotten the Paralympics. Everybody makes a big fuss over the Olympics that, when over, people have forgotten about the Paralympics games. We have applauded our athletes for a job well done during the sports of swimming, diving, soccer, gymnasts, etc. But what about our athletes whom are physically, mentally, or sensorial disabilities? It seems many has either forgotten them or has paid little attention.
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These people should even be paid more attention to because they have overcome their obstacles and are showing the world of their capablities. Anybody watching them? It seems that many has forgotten the Paralympics. Everybody makes a big fuss over the Olympics that, when over, people have forgotten ... more -
Live blogging from the Paralympic opening ceremonies
The Vancouver Sun's Olympic editor Bev Wake gives a play-by-play on the ceremonies in Beijing.
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Paralympic Athletes Accuse U.S.O.C. of Inequity
The Olympics for disabled athletes that begin Saturday in Beijing, Tony Iniguez will wear his Team U.S.A. uniform with pride. He will compete for his country’s Olympic program. He is also suing it for discrimination.
The United States is no stranger to disputes over discrimination against various groups and the provision of benefits for citizens, as the battle over universal health insurance indicates. But in this case the Paralympians are emphasizing their needs as athletes as much as their needs as citizens. They claim that races have been lost and medals squandered by their having to compete against athletes from nations such as Canada and Britain that support their disabled athletes virtually equally to Olympians.
In hearing the lawsuit brought by Iniguez and two retired wheelchair racers, the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals have ruled that the U.S.O.C. has the legal discretion to fund able-bodied and disabled athletes at different rates. (The case has been appealed to the Supreme Court.) But even the District Court judge who ruled against Iniguez in 2006 wrote: “Do I decry a culture that relegates Paralympians to second class status in the quantity and quality of benefits and support they receive from the U.S.O.C.? Emphatically yes.”
The U.S.O.C. says that equitable support to Paralympic athletes is unrealistic because the agency receives almost no government assistance, and Paralympic success does not generate enough increased revenue.
The U.S.O.C. says that equitable support to Paralympic athletes is unrealistic because the agency receives almost no government assistance, and Paralympic success does not generate enough increased revenue.
The most striking difference between the funding of Paralympic and Olympic athletes, some contend, is in the cash bonuses given for top performances. Olympic gold medalists in Beijing received $25,000 from the U.S.O.C. and often additional money from their national governing body; Paralympic gold medalists will get $5,000 from the U.S.O.C. alone. For 2007 competitions, the U.S.O.C. distributed $1.85 million in performance bonuses, none of it to Paralympic athletes, the U.S.O.C.’s Seibel confirmed. The Olympics for disabled athletes that begin Saturday in Beijing, Tony Iniguez will wear his Team U.S.A. uniform with pride. He will ... more -
Chinese Paralympians go for gold
An interesting feature about athletes competeing in the Paralympics in Beijing this year. The athletes hope to create more understanding of their disabilities - and abilities through the competitions, in a culture that still has many misconceptions and prejudices regarding disability. An interesting feature about athletes competeing in the Paralympics in Beijing this year. The athletes hope to create more understand... more
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Paralympics in NJ 2008
On July 24, 2008 what a day it was for Spin-Off. Along with Mike, Santina, OutThere and Jahid, I met many of the worlds greatest young adults and children competing in Piscataway, NJ at the Paralympics. Organized by Mountainside, NJ - Children's Specialized Hospital and Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation. I been in a few events that I always get a new experience from, it was like a break of the thermometer. Being around the worlds greatest cultures of children in a situation we all shared as one just put me over the top. Wasn't a feeling of fear of another human being, it was UNITY at it's highest level and for this organized event to give everyone this feeling, it was heaven on earth.
Sure it was a competition, but it was felt more of a loving day out with the world. I felt no shame and to many of my physically challenged peers, you know when you go out, sometime you feel a little embarrassed or like you're being stared at. Not here, we were all family on that field. I was sadden that I had to leave and may never see these young athletes ever again. But we have the internet and I hope to contact many of them again On July 24, 2008 what a day it was for Spin-Off. Along with Mike, Santina, OutThere and Jahid, I met many of the worlds greatest young... more -
Beijing more wheelchair friendly
Even in modern China, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan gets a stark reminder that handicapped accessibility requires an adjustment in attitude Even in modern China, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan gets a stark reminder that handicapped accessibility requires an adjustment in atti... more
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Disaboom Coverage of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games:
Watch for these Disaboomers at the 2008 Paralympic Games and read blogs about the most current Paralympic happenings. Meet the Disaboom Paralympic team! Watch for these Disaboomers at the 2008 Paralympic Games and read blogs about the most current Paralympic happenings. Meet the Disabo... more
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Amputee to fly SA's Olympic flag
Amputee swimmer Natalie Du Toit will carry the South African flag during the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
"Natalie was the obvious choice for team South Africa," said Hajera Kajee, the head of the team, in Beijing. No female amputee has competed in the Olympics before and Du Toit will participate in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A lavish ceremony involving about 10,000 performers will open the Beijing Games in China later on Friday.
Du Toit qualified for the Olympics by finishing fourth in the 10km open water world championships in Seville in May. The 24-year-old will compete in the open water race in Beijing before contesting six events at the Paralympics. "It's been a dream for me since I was six years old to go to the Olympic Games and to finally have that dream realised is something massive for me," she says.
Du Toit, who had a left leg amputated after a motorcycle accident seven years ago, competed in both the able-bodied and disability events at the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and 2006 The 10km swim - often described as "wrestling in water" because of its aggressive tactics - will be making its debut at the Games this August. The event will be watched on TV by an estimated four billion people. Amputee swimmer Natalie Du Toit will carry the South African flag during the opening ceremony of the Olympics. ... more -
East Aurora High School Teacher To participate in the paralympics!
For East High art teacher Tony Iniguez, the school year won't begin with paint brushes and pencils, but colorful Olympic circles, instead.
The 14-year veteran Tomcat teacher will be heading to Beijing, China, as one of 43 athletes selected to represent the U.S. and compete as part of the 2008 U.S. Paralympic track & field team. The Paralympic Games run from Sept. 6 through Sept. 17.
The times Iniguez posted while competing during the U.S. team trials, held June 12-15 at Arizona State University in Tempe, earned him spot on the elite team.
"He sets an example for being what a Tomcat is," said district spokesman Clayton Muhammad before recognizing Iniguez's feat, and awarding him the Impacting the Community through Education Award from the East Aurora Board of Education during Monday's meeting at the East Aurora School Service Center.
"He's bringing it to a higher level."
Audience and board members erupted in applause. Iniguez received a standing ovation as he accepted his award, remaining modest, though proud. With his two sons and wife by his side, the award-winning teacher, admired by both his students and fellow faculty members alike, took a moment to speak.
"I don't enjoy awards," he said shyly, I just like to lay low. ... But I hope I'll make the Tomcat family proud.
"I can't guarantee any medals, but I'm looking forward to getting into my rounds."
Iniguez competes in the 1,500-meter race.
And as the school bell rings for students in Aurora, the starter's gun will sound for Iniguez in Beijing, and Olympic fever will be caught by East High fans everywhere. For East High art teacher Tony Iniguez, the school year won't begin with paint brushes and pencils, but colorful Olympic circles,... more -
Dog off the menu
Beijing has asked hotels and restaurants in the city to take dog meat off the menu for the duration of next month's Olympics and September's Paralympics. Beijing has asked hotels and restaurants in the city to take dog meat off the menu for the duration of next month's Olympics and ... more
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Alejandro Albor to Represent United States at 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games
Disaboom-sponsored Alejandro Albor, world champion handcyclist and double-leg amputee, secured his place on the United States Paralympic Hand Cycling team when, despite a shoulder injury, Albor clinched a first place victory at the Beijing Paralympics Selection Event in Denver on June 6. With this win, Albor joins a group of 11 cyclists who will represent the United States in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China September 6 through 17. Disaboom-sponsored Alejandro Albor, world champion handcyclist and double-leg amputee, secured his place on the United States Paralymp... more
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Paralympic Hopeful Alejandro Albor to Compete in U.S. Handcycling National Champio...
Sponsored by Denver-Based Disaboom, World Champion Handcyclist to Compete in 2008 Paralympics Selection Race
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Seduti sulla Neve (Sitting on the Snow)
ITA+ENGsubs A short doc about sport and disability.
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Katy Sullivan
Katy Sullivan was born without legs. March of 2006 she found herself some carbon fiber legs and started running. Katy Sullivan is a fast runner and may win a gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics.
This short film shows Katy as she trains in her running legs,. We also interview her prosthesis?s (the people who make her legs), and Katy?s friends.
I met Katy one afternoon while walking around a track in Los Angeles, California. My friend and I were complaining about how hard our life was, and she literally ran past us on her carbon fiber legs. We stopped walking and stared at her as she blew past us. We were just stunned by Katy's power and beauty. She is an inspiration to everyone she meets, and I feel honored in calling her my friend. Katy Sullivan was born without legs. March of 2006 she found herself some carbon fiber legs and started running. Katy Sullivan is ... more -
Legs of Steel
Katy Sullivan was born without legs. March of 2006 she found herself some carbon fiber legs and started running. She is now training and hopeful of winning a gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics. Katy Sullivan was born without legs. March of 2006 she found herself some carbon fiber legs and started running. She is now training ... more
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Paralympics
