Disability Arts Online

Comments

Colin Hambrook

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8 June 2012

I'm not into sports at all - but a lot of people are. But I think it's too simplistic and unhelpful to say that paralympians are in it to appear to be 'special'. I think the standards set now mean that the bar has been raised considerably and that paralympics is not necessarily the second class event it has been perceived as in the past.

The vast sums of money being spent on the olympics and the sponsorship by Atos is something else that seems morally reprehensible in a climate where so many disabled people are being forced to go without the means to have a life - or indeed are being thrown off benefits when they are literally on deaths door. (I know of someone who was told by Atos that he was fit for work, six weeks before he died of cancer).

bill torbitt

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7 June 2012

afaik wheelchair events are sporting codes in their own right in which 'able' athletes could enter if they wanted.

richard downes

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31 May 2012

yawn!!!!

Crippen

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30 May 2012

Oops. Nice one Mr D. Just testing to see if you're awake! ;-)

richard downes

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30 May 2012

think you got your cynical analysis wrong this time Crip' me old mate.

Who would want to look normal by competing in an event where you are entered on account of your difference.

Who could be normal by running in a race which is devised for you on the basis that you're not good enough to be a part of the real thing.

And why worry about benefits (Sponsors ATOS) when you are likely to be sponsored by the national lottery.

Surely we should be look at the paralympics through the lens of the tragedy model and be looking to throw out our pity to these pathetic specimens seeking to be special - not normal.

Thanks for your previous work with the we all shot pudsey bear facebook group on this subject. You were clearly concerned about this a long time ago.

vince laws

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30 May 2012

where do i begin. there's so much crap about this olympics, we paid 8 billion and sponsors paid 1 billion and you can't hold an event with any of the words games, 2012, summer in them for fear of the men in black. ticketing was a laff but only cos i didn't want any. we get to watch groups of locals run about with a flame . that was called rioting last year. and for paralympians not to be protesting about Atos and the demonisation of the disable is a disgrace. those who can be heard must speak up for those who cant. rant over. love the cartoon.

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