Pyramid Comment

This journal takes an alternative view on current affairs and other subjects. The approach is likely to be contentious and is arguably speculative. The content of any article is also a reminder of the status of those affairs at that date. All comments have been disabled. Any and all unsolicited or unauthorised links are absolutely disavowed.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

International Paralympic Committee Discriminates

Original posting, August 2006

The IPC has decided to not allow people with learning disabilities (S14 classification) to compete in the Beijing Paralympic Games 2008. Following this ban the many young people who have dedicated their lives to swimming, and have trained so hard, continue to train in the hope that they will be allowed to compete at this highest of levels.

Hopes and dreams are shattered by this. And to learn the news by looking on the IPC website is despicable. Many have already represented Great Britain. It is outrageous that such discrimination can happen against these people. In this respect a learning disability is no different to a physical disability.

All that swimmers, or any athlete, wants to do is compete against each other in the same way as able-bodied (or able-minded) people do. This simple (!) action can only shatter dreams and aspirations. And take the heart out of these athletes. The decision affects all athletes with an S14 classification: all are to be excluded from the Paralympic Games. Discriminated against.

It seems that the IPC has a disability itself. In basic common sense and sensitivity. Hardly able-minded. No doubt there are financial drivers behind this. The Paralympic Games are for all disabilities. It does not involve selectivity. It is an absolute disgrace.

Was there anyone to represent the views of the athletes before this decision was taken? Before the IPC made this final decision? The only people to suffer, and suffer greatly, are the athletes themselves and their families.

Intellectual Disability Debate
S14 Swimmers
Major Possibility for Top S14 Swimmers