Meg Pelly's Sports Blog

 The Olympic motto "Faster, Higher, Stronger- Together" can be embodied by the athletes of the Paralympics and Olympics alike. It was founded on the idea that we can only become faster, we can only aim higher, and we can only become stronger by standing together.  The Paralympics and the athletes who compete all posses the values that enable them to overcome the highest barriers and largest obstacles. It can be argued that the Paralympics are the real Olympics because its athletes compete at the highest level while also overcoming physical challenges to represent their country through sports.  Paralympic athletes challenge the stereotypes of disabilities in athletics by demonstrating exceptional skill and perseverance. Not only are they the most elite athletes competing for gold, but they do so while also overcoming adversity and pushing their own physical limits.  The Olympics and Paralympics exist as side by side competitions. Both allow athletes to have a chance ...

 The Olympics are one of the most anticipated sports events in the entire world. People tune in to watch the most elite athletes represent their country and compete for the gold medal. 206 countries fight to claim a spot at the top of the podium every four years. For some athletes facing physical challenges in their life, the Paralympics are the biggest stage where they are given the chance to compete against other elite athletes in their own playing field.  Growing up, I always knew what the Paralympics were, but I wasn't very familiar with the history of the games. I never even knew that the "para" in "Paralympics" really refers to "next to the Olympics." This means that the games are performed in tandem where athletes with or without impairments are given the chance to reach for gold, each on an even playing field.  The creation of the Paralympics was a direct result of the Second World War as soldiers were going through rehabilitation programs as...