The Patronising Paralympics

[10ClarionSt]

I just can't get interested in these games. I know all the participants deserve great credit to be where they are, but the actual games do nothing for me. I've heard a few short clips on the radio and the commentators try really hard to be enthusiastic but I get the impression there's an element of patronisation about it all.

[jackthehat]

Do you?

I think the paralympics are marvellous and watch as much as I am able.

[fiction-factory]

I'm nowhere near as interested as I was in the main Olympics but I've enjoyed seeing some highlight and mrs f-f is loving watching live events .. I'm enjoying the funny ads, particularly those featuring Jack Whitehall. I haven't sensed anyone being patronising but feel that it may be getting a bit more coverage on the main news than would normally be justified based on the public's interest. But the achievements are fantastic and inspirational and should be celebrated

[Mamyalynne]

I have to admit I don't really follow much sport at all, where are you getting the impression of patronisation from? - the commentators or the public in general?

I remember reading this article 4 years ago and finding it a very interesting take on the situation whilst not being in a position to agree/disagree with all the points raised due to my ignorance of the topic.

http://sabotagetimes.com/football/when-did-the-paralympics-become-the-patronising-games

[EcclesCake]

I'm probably biased as I know a competitor but cannot say I have found the coverage patronising.

Have to agree with FF regarding the Jack Whitehall adverts, they are fabulous!

[Pigletion]

I really enjoy watching it, as much as the Olympics. I think the commentators have a hard job when explaining anything to a new audience, as they have to over explain (as events are not on tv as often, so events/athletes are new to a lot of people). This is compounded in the para events by the different categories, which often need explaining. I don't think it is patronising though.

[jourdain2]

I tend to agree 10C. I'm finding it hard to get involved. This is strange because many years ago I was very involved in promoting athletics for the variously disabled, giving them basic training and in fact I M.C'd. the first local area games. The athletes were, and doubtless still are, wonderful and inspiring, but there is something about these games....can't put my finger on it. I saw one guy (at Don Valley in Sheffield) hop up to a High Jump bar (my speciality) and somehow fling himself over - I was a convert from that moment.

[Sqad]

Yes.....I agree with the OP and Jourdan.
They certainly are inspiring, but i cannot see how many of them can be described as as .."DISABLED"
Some disabilities are obvious, but others have problems( physical) which are difficult or impossible to identify.
I have not watched these "games" in detail,as i have an uncomfortable feeling and ai agree with Clarion, patronisation seems to play a part.

[EDDIE51]

^^ Yes just seen one shot putter who's only disability was dyslexia, never knew that was a qualifying condition!

[Sqad]

Eddie.....I thought that qualification involved a PHYSICAL disability, not a mental one.

[EDDIE51]

^ Just as I did Sqad. The commentator said it made it hard for her to follow instructions!

[New Judge]

Basic information here:

http://www.lbc.co.uk/paralympic-classification-what-do-the-categories-mean-58926

I imagine someone with dyslexia competes in the “Intellectual Disability” category. Though quite how suffering from dyslexia prevents an athlete from competing with “able bodied” competitors is a little puzzling (unless it’s a Scrabble tournament).

“It’s hard for her [a shot putter] to follow instructions”. Yeah, like, “pick up the shot, pack it into your shoulder, make sure you start in the back half of the circle and finish in the front half and punch the shot away as hard as you can”. Superior intellect needed to follow that.

[EDDIE51]

'Intellectual Impairment' so being as thick as two short planks can get you into the Olympics ?

[New Judge]

I'm in then !!! :-)