Friday, September 27, 2013

Disabled Swimmer Fighting to Compete in Paralympics



Category: Paralympics

Level: National

Concerning: A problem/issue that individuals/families face

This affects families/individuals that are torn between achieving their dreams and facing reality of rejection.

My Views: Victoria Arlen’s story is a story that I feel so many people don’t realize about the Paralympics. I always thought that anyone who is disabled would be able to participate. It blew my mind that they made a young girl who was in a state of vegetation for years and is now paralyzed due to an autoimmune disorder was unable to compete in the sport that brings joy back in her life. The committee of the Paralympics should really reconsider their decision. Even though there is the tiniest chance of her being able to walk again, it is evident that she is unable to walk or move her legs and continues to have spasms and other medical issues. The committee shouldn’t punish those who have the slightest chance of getting better one day; they should promote that and encourage those who have a tiny chance of getting better to do so. Ever since she was kicked out of the competition and after extensive grueling tasks to prove she in fact cannot move her legs, she has yet to get back into the water. The message that the Paralympics committee is not a motivating one but in fact a deferent to suppose to organization due to not letting someone compete due to a tiny technicality. The fact is that she cannot move her legs and is in fact truly disabled and should be able to compete in the sport she has dedicated her life to. If  in the years to come, she can again walk, the organization should praise that and send the message that anything is possible.

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