Blog #2 Paralympics

Sofia Torrie

Disability and Sports

Dr. Sowers

Prior to this week's topic, I never thought too far into the meaning of "para" in the word "Paralympics." To my understanding, "para" stems from the word parallel, which means equal to or beside. Before learning more about the Paralympics, I didn't know much about it. I know it is the same concept of the Olympics, but it has sporting events for those with disabilities. I knew it was the same as the Olympics but it had accommodations for disabled athletes. I also knew that "para" did not mean paraplegic because not all of the athletes were paraplegic. I think the importance of learning the difference between these events is important because not a lot of people know what the meaning behind Paralympics is. 

This week's topic has taught me that "para" in "Paralympics" means next to, which makes their events parallel to the Olympics. The point of the Paralympics is to hold these sporting events to show equality for those who are not able-bodied to participate in the Olympics. The Paralympics often have less attention than the Olympics, so people may not think that the games are the same or that the athletes don't train as hard as the able-bodied athletes. Learning more about the Paralympics has brought me more of an understanding of the events and how hard the athletes train. They do equally as much training as the athletes in the Olympics, creating a parallel experience for all athletes. I never looked into the Paralympics much, but I never doubted that they worked and trained as hard as the athletes in the Olympics. I believe that their work and dedication sometimes goes unnoticed or people think less of what they do because it is the Paralympics and people may think it's not the same. I believe that their hard work deserves to be noticed and people should educate themselves more on the Paralympics because it is the same as the Olympics, creating an equal opportunity for disabled individuals to work hard and follow their dreams as an athlete. 

This week's readings has taught me a lot about the Paralympics and the history behind it, and I believe that having a personal bias or understanding of something may not always be right until you truly look into a topic and learn more about it. Personally, I know that I did not know much about the Paralympics, but these readings and videos have taught me more about it and how dedicated the athletes are and that it is the same as the Olympics. "Para" represents the equality between the Paralympics and the Olympics. 

Resources: 

“Paralympics History - Evolution of the Paralympic Movement.” International Paralympic Committee, www.paralympic.org/ipc/history#:~:text=The%20word%20%E2%80%9CParalympic%E2%80%9D%20derives%20from,exist%20side%2Dby%2Dside. Accessed 02 Feb. 2026.