Oscar Pistorius feels like the next 12 days could change the world — while talking about the Paralympic Games.
Specifically he things that the world will learn a lot from Britain’s enlightened approach to hosting the 2012 Paralympics.
Here’s what he said:
“The UK is definitely a country which deals with disability in a really amazing way. There are a lot of people that are going to watch these Games around the world that are going to be forced in a way to see these Paralympics through the eyes of the people of the UK. And I think that is a great thing. There are a lot of people here that don’t focus on the disability any more, they focus on the athletes’ ability.”
Truth!
We are so pumped for these games that we can hardly stand it — we can’t wait to see what these incredible athletes have to offer!
He continued:
“I think this will be one of the most accessible Paralympics we have had,. The audiences will take away a phenomenal experience, seeing inspirational sport, not focusing on the disability but focusing on the ability, and the triumphs and disappointments. I believe this Paralympic Games is going to change many people’s perceptions not just about Paralympic sport, but about people living with disabilities. It is going to completely change people’s mindsets. I am just so excited to see the impact this will leave around the world.”
How cool would it be to see people start rallying behind these games in the broadest sense?
You know, making them as looked-forward-to as the Olympics are — we’re talking like with advertising and coverage. Just think if major stations started showing it all in primetime (as they should)!
Plus, Oscar will be running in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and in the 4x100m relay in the Paralympics, and we can’t wait to see him race again! He says he will be happy just to make the podium in the 100m, but will aim for gold medals 200m and 400m.
Oscar finished up saying:
“I think the UK is at the forefront when it comes to education surrounding disability. I believe that is the only way to get over the stigmas and the feeling it is a taboo subject that a lot of people have had.”
All we can do is hope that’s true — because the Paralympics deserve an equal weight as the Olympics!
Good luck to all the athletes!
[Image via AP Images.]