NOSPC Comments On Paralympic Games
The National Office for Seniors and Physically Challenged [NOSPC] says that they’re looking forward to the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
A spokesperson said, “The National Office for Seniors and Physically Challenged would like to remind the public that the Paralympic flame will be ignited at the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games on Friday, March 7 and will burn for 11 days until the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, March 16.
“The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will feature nearly 700 athletes with a physical disability or visual impairment from 45 countries. The Games feature 72 medal events [34 men, 34 women, four mixed].
Paralympic winter sports include para-snowboarding, cross-country skiing, biathlon, wheelchair curling, and sled hockey.
“Sled hockey is played as aggressively as able-bodied hockey, but these players battle with their sticks, sharp sled runners, and the serrated ice picks used to propel their sleds. They fight it out at eye level with a fast-moving puck in this game of force, speed, and strategy.
“Alpine skiing for the first time includes the extreme sport of para-snowboarding and most of the competitors in this sport are lower limb amputees.
“Imagine skiing at the speed of 65mph, blindfolded,” said Coordinator for Disabled Persons at NOSPC Ann Lindroth. “Visually impaired skiers rely on guides who give them instruction via a wireless Bluetooth connection in their helmets.
Preview of the 2014 Paralympic Games:
“The Paralympic Games are not about disability – they are about athletes competing to be the best in the world. Their achievements inspire and excite sporting fans wherever they are.”
“Coverage of the amazing stories of these great athletes is increasing across multiple platforms worldwide. Russia will broadcast 180 hours of live TV coverage, the U.K. is broadcasting 150 hours on Channel 4, and the U.S.A. will cover 52 hours between NBC and NBCSN.
“Unfortunately, the news feed in Bermuda will not include the Paralympics, but islanders can follow 300 hours of live streaming on the International Paralympic Committee’s YouTube channel.”
Bermuda will not be fielding a team in the Winter Paralympic Games, however the island’s premiere para-athlete Jessica Lewis — a sprinter — is training hard and hopes to represent Bermuda again at the 2016 Paralympic Summer Games.
I’m looking forward to it!
I prefer the Paralympics over the Olympics myself.
It’s a pity Bermuda doesn’t have a team here, but, well, it is the Winter Paralympics and we’re a tiny sub-tropical island, so, understandable!