We could all be forgiven if we do not know that the Paralympics are beginning soon.
There has been no daily countdown to the starting day on TV and to my knowledge none of the athletes have been interviewed and there has been no speculation about medal winners.
I was privileged to attend the Games in Sydney and it was an unforgettable few days.
In the wheelchair basketball, wheels falling off, players falling out of their chairs, being sat back ready to go again.
The blind runners with their partners, how clever are they? The table tennis and the most remarkable was a visit to the swimming. The participants would walk out, shuffle out and be wheeled out, some stepped out of their legs, some took their arms off and some were wheeled to the edge. They competed like real champions and indeed they all were that.
In my book, everyone who competed in these games was worthy of a medal, be it gold, silver or bronze.
They have all overcome adversity, came out with integrity and courage and they deserve more recognition.
To make things worse, the Olympic rings were taken down under the cover of darkness.
I expect little coverage on TV, maybe a few seconds during a news bulletin. The families and friends of the these heroes must be wondering why the powers that be and the media do not give them more accolades.
It has been a long hard road for them.
Marg Nash
Tamworth
Editor’s note: We are happy to report that ABC-TV has the telecast rights for the Paralympic Games and ABC- TV will telecast the games from the opening ceremony Thursday, that’s today, from 5.20am to 8.30am on ABC1 with coverage also from about 7pm to 11pm on ABC2.