Paralympic Games – According to several sources, the inclusion of other disability groups meant that the original term of combining ‘paraplegic’ (due to its origins as games for people with spinal injuries) and ‘Olympic’ was no longer considered appropriate.

Therefore, the present formal explanation for the name is that it derives from the Greek “para-” (“beside” or “alongside”) and thus refers to a competition held in parallel with the Olympic Games.

Perhaps it’s just me – When I watch the recent opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games, I felt annoyed, angry even. The proverbial “poorer second cousin” came to mind. If Paralympics derives from the Greek “para” meaning “beside” or “alongside”, why is the Paralympic Games held after the main Olympics? Running in the shadow of the “glorious” main event.

The whole world saw the magnificent opening ceremony of the main Olympic games…. and billions of eyes followed the games throughout, till it’s closing ceremony. We cheered, we cried, we honour the triumphant. Weeks later, and in its shadow – tada!!!! The Paralympics Games.

Do the participants/competitors of the Paralympic Games not train just as hard as the competitors of the Olympic games? Do they not go through the same rigorous training? Challenges? Turmoil? Pain? – They did and probably more so!!!

So, here’s to you – ALL OF YOU, athletes in the Paralympic Games: You are all winners!!! Hip hip HOORAH!!!!!!