Being a part-time wheelchair user myself I am totally in awe of how effortless the athletes have appeared to compete in their chosen field despite their physical impairments. I am the first to admit my upper body strength is rubbish and unless I am heading down a hill in my wheelchair, or towards a designer shop with a Sale sign in the window, my progress can be painfully slow. David Weir completing a 26 mile wheelchair marathon in the blistering heat is inspiring.
Research has suggested that 65% of people who have watched the 2012 Paralympics feel it has had a favourable impact on their perception of people with disabilities. I am not sure if this change will be sustainable once normality has returned to the country but I know it has altered my attitude to my own disability greatly. A lesson reiterated to never give up on my own health and fitness has been received loud and clear.
I feel many viewers managed to see beyond the physical impairment and focus on the fact that each competitor was, first and foremost, an amazing athlete.
I think the big message to all, regardless of disability or not, is we are all capable of so much more than we think. We have incredible potential to overcome challenges and limitations. To take life and, quite frankly, kick the arse out of it.
Did you watch it? What did you think?
Spreading the love
Louise xx
No comments:
Post a Comment