The 2014 Paralympics: 6 Reasons Why You Need to Watch

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Dixie Somers

The 2014 Winter Paralympics will take place March 7-16.

The 2014 Paralympics take place in Sochi, Russia, March 7-16. There are six different sports comprising the Winter Paralympics. With over 72 separate events taking place, and Sochi Olympic Stadium as the main venue, the Paralympics are a must see for sports fans. Though these are all cold-weather sports, the competition remains heated as the athletes vie to win the coveted medals. There are, in particular, six reasons why nobody will want to miss the television coverage this year.

Russia is the Host
2014 represents the return of international Olympic contests to Russia. The last time Russia hosted this level of athletic competition was in 1980. Viewers should use the Paralympics coverage as a window into the changes in the country since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The networks will provide discuss life Sochi and offer narratives of its history. For many, these Games will be the first time in decades they have witnessed extensive television broadcasts from inside Russia. As a rising economic powerhouse, the nation will want to demonstrate its potential to the world.

Alpine Skiing
Watching skiers ride down the slopes at breathtaking speeds is always a delight. The courses on this level are among the most challenging in the world. The Paralympics add more reason to view. Some of the participants have missing limbs. These athletes have overcome their physical impairments to remain internationally recognized champions of the sport. Some must sit, others can stand, while a few are even visually impaired. The events include downhill, slalom and combined courses.

Biathlon
This sport pairs cross-country skiing with shooting. The skiers demonstrate both physical endurance and visual accuracy. It is common for an athlete who falls behind early to mount a comeback. Because of the large distances of the course, television provides the best seat in the house.

Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony comes replete with all the pageantry required by the international authorizing body. The athletes march in a procession carrying flags representing their nations of origin. This moment is the opportunity for television viewers to learn the back-story of many of those who will be performing over the next two weeks.

Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony is the final opportunity for everyone to reflect on the amazing displays of athleticism witnessed during the Paralympics. In most cases, the television networks use this time to discuss the biggest triumphs, victories, and when true, disappointments that occurred.

Mascots
Both the Paralympics and Olympics announced their mascots on the same date. This unveiling is one of the first impressions the public gets of the planning committee and host city. Consequently, the authorities choose mascots that represent their ambitions for the Games. The 2014 Paralympics have Ray of Light and Snowflake, two interplanetary travelers, as mascots. Ray of Light is a boy who hails from a planet comprised of fire. Meanwhile, Snowflake rode an icy comet to join humans for the Paralympics. These two characters will play central roles in the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as through appearances at various venues shown on television.

Whether you are a long-time paralympic fan, or have never watched, this is a great year to follow the events and keep up with all of the action. If you watch, you’ll be sure to see some good old-fashioned competition and observe the talents of some of the best athletes in the world. The information for this article was provided by the professionals of Michael Sullivan Disability. Michael Sullivan is a workers comp lawyer in Lexington KY.