Oscar Pistorius is a phenomenal athlete, and his progression to an Olympic semi-final against able bodied athletes was an historic moment. Equally moving was the way in which all his competitors welcomed the opportunity to race against him, and embraced him as an equal.
As I watch other Paralympic athletes compete in all their different events, I’m amazed by their ability (not their disability). Their times, their distances, and their capacity to score from the most unlikely of positions are far and above anything I could possibly achieve. In the pool their grace belies their difficulties on dry land.
On the basketball and tennis courts their speed, their agility, and their skill is awe-inspiring. On the track, I often struggle to see what qualifies them for the class they are racing in, their movement is that fluid. And I’m a Physiotherapist.
But I think the things that really moves me to tears are the post-competition interviews. The joy the athletes experience in competing, the pride they have in representing our nation, and their focus on doing their best, regardless of what that means in terms of medals. They represent what the Olympics was once about, and they represent the best thing about sport.. its ability to bring out the best in us.
Our Paralympians are true heroes. I’m pleased with the support they get from the Institute of Sport, but there’s so much more they deserve in financial terms to keep them competing… from both Government and Corporate sources.
I think that after these London Games, a number of businesses with foresight will start to step forward and support these remarkable and inspiring individuals. I hope there is a trend toward increasing support over time.
Investing in people pays very high dividends. And nowhere has under-investment in people been so in need of addressing than with those with a disability. The productivity commission’s report which recommends the establishment of an NDIS is welcome, as is the Government’s quick response and efforts to begin piloting the scheme.
What is disappointing is the response from the Coalition who believe it is something that can wait 6 years or more. Or the response from the myopic Newman Government who would rather play politics than enable an important and significant part of our community.
If the Paralympic athletes provide any insight into what other disabled people are capable of, in any endeavour they choose to pursue (and there is no reason why that shouldn’t be the case)… this country has a huge untapped potential. Equally, opportunity should be provided to all.
That’s what a Labor Government is endeavouring to do.
What are Abbott and Newman doing? Telling us it is not currently affordable.But what they do believe is affordable is paid maternity leave for the wealthy, and tax cuts for Mining billionaires and multi-national mining companies.
They need to be told that most people don't support their bizarre priorities.
If you haven’t already signed our petition… we’d love to add your voice to the so many others who have already signed