OK. Funny. Both of you. But I still think you miss my point. Firstly, of course I don't resent people doing whatever thrills them. I myself would gladly enter the 'thinking' olympics. Its my age, you see. And thats another point....shouldn't there be 'pensioner' Olympics....why exclude my demographic ? I just don't see the para Olympics as representing anybody except 'abled' disabled, and besides the challenges to the athletes involved, it runs the risk of simply increasing the general public's air of patronisation towards such an event. I don't believe the general interest is anything but media hyped patronage. A recent poll in The Guardian (check it out on net ) revealed that 60% of disabled people thought it was pointless, it didn't represent most disabilities, and there was a majority desire to have it combined with the 'main' olympics to encourage not viewing disabled as different. I don't agree with that desire, there's no way that could work to anybody's satisfaction.

As it happens, two of my nieces are involved in the opening ceremony and i wouldn't dare try to spoil the occasion for them with my disparaging views. However, there is an issue at stake here. Take Stephen Hawkins for instance. His image is constantly used in this condescending and patronising way. But he is a unique exception to the rule. If they did manage to invent a sport he could partake in, I expect he would receive a gold medal for just being sedantary. See my point ? I'm all for everyone doing whatever they are able to do, but its not representative if it excludes. Especially in matters of disability. And, I never suggested that anybody should be told not to compete !