Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

Jorgen Christensen, Beijing, China — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:05:05 GMT

Having had the opportunity to now catch a glimpse of the Paralympics while living here in Beijing I am nothing short of amazed, impressed and completely in aw of the heart and stamina of every single athlete competing in the Paralympics. They all deserve respect on a completely different level that any Olympian, because these athletes have not only overcome whatever has affected them, they have ignored it and done something about it. You are truly Champions every single one of you.

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

meg — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:23:09 GMT

I'm cheering for you all. No matter the country.
You have more heart than most un-disabled.

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

Meredith, San Diego, CA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:40:43 GMT

Why isn't NBC airing the paraolympics? What channel is airing the paraolympics. One of my friends helped cordinate the 2002 paraolympics for skiing and another friends sister competed in the 2004 paraolympics in swimming. I never knew there was a paraolympics until they told me. I don't think I'd be the only one watching these inspirational atheletes, knowing each and every one of them has an amazing story to tell.

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

Stephane Rougeau — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:41:00 GMT

We have Dean Bergeron and Chantal Petit-claire representing Canada in the wheelchair sprints. We have nothing but admiration for their determination.. afterall they hold para-olympic records. There's nothing wrong with that no matter who you are !
Good luck to all participants, able body or not you're at the olympics ... congratulations !!

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

Adrian, Dallas, TX — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:24:43 GMT

you can watch the Paralympics LIVE and for FREE every night just by going to www.paralympicsport.tv

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

Dan Neuner, Fullerton, CA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:26:43 GMT

Meredith,
You can watch live and previous 2008 Paralympic events on www.universalsports.com. It really is to bad that these events aren't covered much on American television this year.

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

pat — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:36:06 GMT

You can view the Paralympics Olympics opening ceremony (described as "sublimely spectacular) by the New York Times online at unversalsports.com: http://www.universalsports.com/mediaPlayer/media.dbml?&_MODE_=ONDEMAND&DB_MENU_ID=&SPSID=107828&SPID=13327&DB_OEM_ID=23000.

You can also view live coverage and on-demand videos of the Paralympics on the site.

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

Qtiepie, Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:49:58 GMT

That is so cool that everyone in these Olympics over came such great opsticals. Just because you became disables didn't stop you from achieving your dreams. Everyone in the paralympics is truly amazing, just as amazing as Michael Phelps.

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

Nanjing China — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:20:09 GMT

Come on, Guys.

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

Jeannette, New York, NY — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:22:57 GMT

While it's great to read about such a wonderful event, it is a shame that no one in the US can actually SEE it on NBC.
It would be nice if the reporter's enthusiasm for disabled athletes is mirrored by the network.... but I guess a disfigured champion just isn't as marketable as Michael Phelps.

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

WC, California — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:18:57 GMT

Thanks for reporting the Paralympics Games in Beijing, It seems great and exciting. I wish that, just as that of Olympic games, NBC should had the Paralympics Games LIVE at regular TV program.

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

Mister D, PT, WA — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:39:09 GMT

I lived in China for 5 years and I'm telling you, I saw 1, maybe 2 people who had down-syndrome. I good Chinese friend told me that %99.9 of the babies that are born with DS are aborted or killed after birth.

Cheering crowds and changing minds at Beijing Paralympics

TL, San Jose, CA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:35:31 GMT

The event is almost over now, but judging from the lack of coverage in US newspapers and television, you'd be hard pressed to know it was even happening.