Paralympics

This is a multi-sport event for athletes with physical and sensorial disabilities. The current explanation for the "para" is that it derives from the Greek preposition meaning alongside or parallel referring to how the Paralympics is a competition held in parallel to the Olympic Games.

When I saw the Paralympic coverage of the Beijing '08 games on TV, I was incredibly moved and inspired. The coverage included not just the events themselves, but stories about the athletes and the struggles they had overcome and the hard work they had put it to be at the games. These athletes have so much to teach about determination, perseverance, and courage.