Around the world and across the country, Tuesday was Olympic Day. It's a celebration of athletes, good sportsmanship, respect, and perseverance. That last one (perseverance) is especially near and dear to my heart because it was my topic for the talk I delivered to over 200 children in Columbus, OH on Tuesday. As usual, the children were amazing. They sat quietly and listened for almost an hour! At the end, they had some truly thought provoking questions ("Do you love what you do?"), some incredibly tough Olympic trivia that stumped me ("How many Olympic sports are there?"), and some funny questions that actually spoke to real issues in our society ("Are you rich?"). Our world seems to attach success and great accomplishment with wealth so that boy's question was certainly valid.
As a Paralympian, this is the second time I've celebrated the day by speaking to groups of young people about the values embodied by the Games. This year's celebrations were different though because Chicago is in a fierce battle to ascertain the bid for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics. The decision should be announced in 97 days and a few hours (according to the Chicago 2016 countdown clock). Bringing the Games back to our home would be an amazing experience. My dream to attend as a spectator would likely come true and it's such an honor to host so many life-changing moments.
The resources dedicated to make this dream a reality are enormous. There's an entire office working on nothing but the campaign. They've mailed me colorful brochures, a lapel pin, and a cool new polo emblazoned with the Chicago 2016 logo. They coordinated the arrangements for my speaking engagement as well as dozens-if not hundreds of others-on Tuesday. They've persuaded celebrities, like Michael Jordan, to pledge their support of the bid. Check out this video of Jordan endorsing April Holmes, a Paralympian.
The Chicago 2016 bid seems to have become a catalyst for positivity in sports-something that feels rare right now. People coming together for a common goal. Real passion fueling the drive for something that matters. I definitely hope Chicago wins the bid, but I have to admit....I can't help but wonder.
So many resources, so many people, so much education. What if even a fraction of that dedication was directed to increasing the awareness and exposure of Paralympics? Many people mistake the PARA of Paralympics to mean paralysis. It doesn't. The Latin word, para, means "with". The US Olympic Committee has pledged for years to treat Paralympians and our sports as equals to Olympians. Progress has been made, but we still have absolutely no television coverage of our Games. Most Americans still don't understand the elite level of competition played out during the Paralympics. Imagine the mind shift possibilities of spreading awareness as a level comparable to the Chicago 2016 campaign?!
It's time to stop saying the Paralympics are equal, the same, "with" the Olympics and start doing things to make that a reality. I hope Chicago wins the bid, but I also hope that some of the passion associated with this campaign overflows into an issue that needs support not matter where the Games are held.
For more on the Paralympics:
Woman Born with Congenital Limb Deficiency Joins US Swim and Ski Teams
The Paralympics: When Last is Least
Paralympics: Let's Thank These People!
