Earth......Water.....Wind......Fire
These four elements which the ancients considered the basis of all matter are certainly the basis of the upcoming Xth Paralympic Games. Sweeping Atlanta from August 15th through the 25th, this amazing assemblage of athletic ability will be beamed across the globe by satellite. Residents of 127 nations will be able to cheer on their representatives vying in 17 sports during the 10 days of competition.
A majority of the world-class contests will take place on earth cinder running and cycling tracks, equestrian fields and arenas, and polished wood basketball courts. Water sports will spotlight speed and precision as swimmers try to beat the clock. Paralympic sailors will demonstrate their skills by capturing the winds as boats race over the waves of Lake Lanier.
But it is fire that symbolizes the essence of these spectacular events. Surely the fire of the human spirit fuels the desire to overcome a physical limitation and excel. Fire also represents the intensity and purity of these competitions which are as much about an athlete striving to out-do a previous personal best as they are to triumph over all others. And finally, fire signifies the unquenchable zeal for recognition for acknowledgement that people with disabilities can meet unbelievable challenges and triumph, whether on a playing field or out in the world.
How fortunate are we, as members of the Amputee Coalition of America, that we can share in this triumph of the human spirit. Moreover, this summer we can combine two uplifting and enjoyable occasions since our ACA Annual Meeting takes place at the same time and in the same city as the Paralympics. This is certainly a wonderful opportunity to unite advocacy, education, and socializing with the excitement and inspiration of viewing top competitors from across the world.
And inspirational it truly will be!
Ever since its inception in 1960 in Rome, the Paralympic Games have increased dramatically in size and scope. Interestingly, this 10th such event, to be held in Atlanta, will feature approximately 10 times the number of contestants as the original. This summer's Paralympics will host some 4,000 athletes representing over 100 countries; the first attracted 400 from 23 nations of the world. Over the years, sporting events, too, have increased, duplicating those featured in the Olympics, modifying a few, and adding still others. Hundreds of events will be crowded into the August 15 through 25 celebration of sport.
But, numbers aside, the 1996 Paralympics are about far more than bursting finish ribbons, gold medals, and triumphant winners at the peak of their careers. Fittingly, the Atlanta Paralympics are about spirit and what a tremendous spirit it is!
To achieve this level of athletic prowess, contenders in any capacity have usually devoted years of training, practice, and self-sacrifice to elevate a natural ability beyond the norm. For Paralympic contestants, the price has been even steeper. Often, their stepping stone victories toward Paralympic qualification have been earned through an overwhelming determination coupled with single-minded dedication. These are people who embody noble words such as courage, passion, and inspiration.
Even more to the point they put on a teriffically exciting show!
Most likely it will be decades before U.S. residents will have another chance to witness such outstanding athletic competition within our own shores or to be party to such a dynamic portrayal as this display of the best that is within our physical and spiritual makeup.
A hint at what is to come in the 1996 Paralympics was presented in Barcelona at the end of the 1992 competition. During closing ceremonies in Spain, long jump contestant Al Mead stood on the platform wearing his silver medal. Unaccompanied by music, his voice rang out in the gospel hymn, "What A Mighty Spirit." One by one, church choirs from all over Atlanta joined, swelling into a majestic chorus that was broadcast to the Barcelona audience by satellite. And then, from symbolic ashes through a cloud of smoke, a phoenix arose over the Barcelona arena. And every spirit soared at the sight.
A similar thrilling blend of pride and emotion will be rekindled in Atlanta this August. Besides the expected round of dignitaries and the torch lighting, Opening Ceremonies are to include a 5,000-voice gospel choir, 1,000 dancers, and a children's chorus composed of some 500 youngsters. Together they will express the fitting theme of the Xth Paralympics "Triumph of the Human Spirit."
Certainly, even though these talented athletes will dazzle the most sophisticated sports audiences breaking records and setting new and ever higher standards to conquer it is surely their indomitable spirit that will make this international event one to remember for all time ....
