Quoting optimyst:

Following on from my earlier post about the Paralympics,I watched the fantastic closing ceremony and was struck by a story told by Sir Peter Craven, President of the International Paralympic committee.
It concerned George, the 5yo son of Emily a friend of his daughter.  George had been watching the Paralympics but one evening his Mum sat him down to read a book with her.  The book was called 'Treasure'.  On the first page there was a picture of a man with an eye patch, a hook for a hand and a wooden leg.  Emily asked George 'What do you think the man in the picture is?'  George looked at it and said'He has only one leg, He Must be an Athlete!'
There you have it a child's view of the world changed forever and that is the legacy of the Games it has opened so many peoples eyes to what can be achieved and that we are all people who have value and our diversity should be celebrated and society in the UK has taken a huge stride to inclusivity in society.

Following on from my earlier post about the Paralympics,I watched the fantastic closing ceremony and was struck by a story told by Sir Peter Craven, President of the International Paralympic committee.
It concerned George, the 5yo son of Emily a friend of his daughter.  George had been watching the Paralympics but one evening his Mum sat him down to read a book with her.  The book was called 'Treasure'.  On the first page there was a picture of a man with an eye patch, a hook for a hand and a wooden leg.  Emily asked George 'What do you think the man in the picture is?'  George looked at it and said'He has only one leg, He Must be an Athlete!'
There you have it a child's view of the world changed forever and that is the legacy of the Games it has opened so many peoples eyes to what can be achieved and that we are all people who have value and our diversity should be celebrated and society in the UK has taken a huge stride to inclusivity in society.

Quoting optimyst:

Hi Conyers
Whilst the Special Olympics and the Paralympics are different what you say is very much on topics It is vital that we do not try to sweep people with different abilities 'under the carpet' as was the policy in the past.  Out of sight out of mind is no longer acceptable in a civilised society

Hi Conyers
Whilst the Special Olympics and the Paralympics are different what you say is very much on topics It is vital that we do not try to sweep people with different abilities 'under the carpet' as was the policy in the past.  Out of sight out of mind is no longer acceptable in a civilised society

Quoting Curious2078:

I ditto your remark.  A very dear, very old friend of mine is the mother of a Down's Syndrome boy.  He has to date become a major star among DS athletes, and is so proud of himself. 
 

The Special Olympics he has participated in over the years have been such a major part of what has built his confidence in himself and made him feel as though he can accomplish whatever he wants to--within reason, mind you.  He has no grand illusions about what he can accomplish.  He has realistic goals that he can most definitely achieve.  They are, probably, way ahead of what most folks who know nothing about the skills or temperments or intelligence capabilities of Downs Syndrome kids can be, but they are real.  And with his wonderful mother's help, he will achieve them and surprise the heck out of the skeptics.  I'm quite sure than in years to come he will become a major symbol for what these kids can do and accomplish and become during their adult years. 
 
Hope this was on topic.  If not--I don't give a hoot. 

Quoting monicarjones: This is the first time you said something where I can not disagree.

Quoting MONICAR550HP:

This is the first time you said something where I can not disagree.

This is the first time you said something where I can not disagree.