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2012 Paralympic Games - a Must See, and Cerebral Palsy Awareness

8/5/2012

59 Comments

 
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Boom!  Crash!  Bang! - went the fireworks at the opening day of the 2012 Olympics in London - signifying the beginning of competitive games where countries press forth their most able bodied athletes to achieve greatness in their name.  So, fair enough - as the world’s hungry watch 10 years worth of food blow up in the night sky to mark the games - it does indeed inspire millions of people, which is wonderful.  I am an American - born and bred in the State of Vermont - the Green Mountain State, which is like a big town in New York, but close enough to Boston I can see it on a clear day if I‘m high up enough.  However, just because I am American doesn’t mean I root just for my own countrymen and women - I’ll root anyone on if I feel they deserve it and have a heart that weighs more than gold.  But, unlike the media frenzy that concentrates on gold gold GOLD during the Olympics, there is something else I am far far FAR more interested in.  The Paralympic Games.  Folks, this IS the Olympics still - and I am going to let you in on a little secret that NBC hasn’t figured out - it is far more interesting, more challenging and chock full of really amazing competition.  I first became more aware of the Paralympics after watching them when the Olympics were held in Atlanta, GA and my country was in a tizzy over our hosting.  In all the games since - the events I’ve been personally more interested in have usually been dominated by Australians - like Lyn Lepore in the Sydney 2000 games in road cycling, which is a personal favorite of mine.  In addition to the Paralympics, I was further inspired with admiration for individual disabilities after discovering the story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah - who as a young man with a severe disability, rode his bicycle across his country of Ghana to raise awareness to the plight and prejudices of the disabled
in his land.  He is an absolutely amazing man - and I would highly recommend watching the documentary on his awareness work entitled Emmanuel's Gift.  He still gives back to this day. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Now, most people know that in the world of sports and physical achievement, there is no greater honor then for a person to be chosen for competition in the Olympics.  Like any word can sometimes illicit a prejudice, the terms ‘Olympian’ and ‘Olympiad’ usually conjure up images of great physical prowess and skill.  Those words are accurate descriptors in our mental image of just what prowess and skill is and how mere armchair competitors view it.  I remember a number of years ago when I learned I was distantly related (like so distant, I would need binoculars) to former Olympian Albert Gutterson, who won a gold medal 100 years ago for broad jump during the Olympics of 1912 in Stockholm, Sweden. 
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I looked at his picture from those days – so young and full of life, and it reminded me of greatness - although...it would have been nice if his name was Scott, or Alex, or Max etc.....lol (kidding).  When I see the family homestead nearby, I can’t help but be fascinated an Olympian grew up there.  Now, I am not one to get emotional over photos of persons I’ve never met; however, this was different; he was an “Olympian” – it made me feel proud.  Why did his existence and Olympic accomplishment make me proud?  Simple.  Anyone can live a life of work and weekend play - and merely contribute the bare minimums to the betterment of this world, which pretty much sums up most of my long deceased relatives lives - but an Olympian?  It takes a special and unique person to qualify as an Olympian – no question about it.          

Now, let us peer behind door # 2 to examine another word(s) that can conjure a prejudice; “challenged” or “disabled.”  I imagine that when one hears these words, the prejudice that comes to mind is someone who does not have the same range of motion that perhaps an ‘Olympian’ possesses.  So, for discussion sake, what then happens when these two descriptions/prejudices above collide?  That is to say, a person who has challenges yet is also an Olympian?  I’ll tell you what happens; amazing things.   It is true unadulterated amazement that any individual can be so strong physically AND mentally so as to transform themselves out of a debilitating challenge and then use their bodies in such ways that most ‘able-bodied’ persons couldn’t even think of.  To me, a person who has physical challenges is far stronger than those who do not.  When one isn’t challenged in life, they become weak and complacent.  An individual who is challenged, is always honing their skills and goals in life.  I personally have a quandary with the word disabled or disability.  The word, which accurately describes a condition in a sensible non-offensive way, it does to me denote a certain unavoidable stigma; I just dislike it.  I rather see a person for who they are as an individual, rather than resort to labels.    

So as to make my point, lets stick with Australia and let us now look behind door #3, in which I will use as an excellent example - we will find Brydee Moore.  Brydee is a long time competitor in the world of sports.  Brydee has been competing in sports since 2001; I think it’s safe to say that sports and competition are her life.  In 2006, Brydee’s goals of competitive discus throw and shot put received a serious bump up the big time scale, when she competed in the 2006 FESPIC Games earning herself two gold medals and later, during the 2008 National Championships in Beijing earning three gold medals while representing her native country of Australia.   

Brydee has 16 gold medals at the National Championships to her credit, including her latest haul of three gold at the 2012 Nationals. She holds the Australian records in her classification for all three of her throwing disciplines and her shot put length of 6.47m is not far away from achieving the world record.  And it doesn’t stop there, Brydee continues on her path of competitive sportsmanship to this day, having competed at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and now, acceptance for a second time into the Paralympic Games at London 2012.  That’s right, Brydee is an Olympian.   

But what makes Ms. Moore so inspiring in her skills, is that not only is she an Olympian, she also has some physical challenges in her life.  Prior to my stating this, you probably conjured up an image of a toned glistening woman flying over hurdles on the field in full Olympic regalia – royal horns bellowing and crowds in full cheer.  And, consequently, now that I’ve thrown the words ‘disability or challenges’ into the mix, your imagination may have been playing a few tricks in the mental imagery department. Trust me on this - there are no tricks here; there is serious tonage and glistening going on.  Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 11 months old, it would seem clear that Ms. Moore has not always had an easy road to travel upon - and that is for certain.  But – this hasn’t slowed herself down a bit – she is out there in this big world showing it what she can do and inspiring so many thousands of people as well as many who may have similar worries/challenges as herself.  I liken it to this comparison: while many of us cruise through life complaining about the need to inject Botox into our glistening non challenged BMW bodies, Brydee has souped up her Holden Commodore….and the BMW is afraid.  Very afraid.  So while us BMW’s sit in the garage resting on its laurels and name brand reputation, Brydee the Commodore is wrenching a turbo and dual exhaust to her Mad Max engine.  Physically challenged?  Disability?  Just words…..mere sounds one makes with their tongues – and in the case of Brydee Moore, actions speak louder than words.  Brydee has a personal motto; “see the athlete, not the disability.”  And for the record, I would rather arrive at a party in a Mad Max car than a BMW - far more attractive, superior performance and way less maintenance costs.   



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Now, for the U.S. Paralympic team - as I edit this blog, I just learned in the town right next to me, is a U.S. Olympian who will be competing in the London Paralympic Games; Alicia Brelsford Dana, from Putney, VT.  I couldn't believe it when I read this in the paper - that a stone's throw away is a hand cycling olympian.  Amazing!  Here is a link to the article, which explains it best: http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_21259962/racing-london-putney-woman-rides-wave-support-paralympics

What is really amazing, is I've seen her before naturally - I practically live next door - and while I have admired her strength as I lazily drove by in my car, I never imagined this person would be competing in the Olympics.  Paralyzed from the waist down after suffering a fall, this single mother seemingly juggles it all - and still had the fortitude to qualify for the paralympics, so now I'm even more thrilled to see what happens during these games.  No matter what her outcome may be, I am proud and thrilled for her.  No matter what the color of a medal is, whether gold, silver, bronze or empty handed, I still think it's amazing to even qualify for the Olympic games; every Olympian is a win.  Naturally, I immediately sent her a friend request on facebook so I could inundate her with daily posts of my fandom; she is going to be SO sorry if she accepts it!

I love the Paralympics.  And the reason I enjoy them isn’t because of some noble thought that I *should* watch them, but more because any person who has a disability and can do something better than someone who doesn’t have a disability, is a true Olympian.  I have mixed emotions about the term Paralympics, but – I suppose it is really semantics.  I have entered numerous bicycle races in my life, and if I may brag - earned bronze on three occasions in the U.S. national championships in the late 90's for obtacle course, slalom and a distance road race.  I have also run a few piddly fiddly 5k’s in my time, and on such occasions, there have been persons who have also entered who must use a different vehicle to meet their specific bodily needs – i.e. a wheelchair.  Each time I have been intimidated – because I know…this guy or gal is going to make mince meat out of me.  I know this to be true not because their bodies are toned with the obvious effects of practice, but because I know mentally they are absolutely committed to DESTROYING me.  And, barring some mechanical failure on equipment, they always do. 


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Cody McCasland, 8, from Colleyville, TX, shown here in the Ranger Triathalon. Cody is a double above knee amputee born with a rare birth defect called Sacral Agenesis that caused his legs to form both missing tibias and knees. Doctors, in his best interest, amputated his legs at 15 months old, and Cody has never stopped challenging himself physically. He raced the 100m swim, 2.2 mile bike ride, and 800, run in under thirty minutes.  Future Olympian?  I hope so!

I am a man of perfect motion.  I can walk, run, roll, cartwheel and roll out of bed in no time flat – and admittedly take this ability for complete granted.  If I am in a stadium and feel the need to visit the restroom, I can run to the bathroom with the best of them – and be in and out in no time flat.  I do not know what it is like to limp, or have no feeling in any part of my body, or to know what it is like to live with the daily challenges one faces who does have such things to bear.  I have had, however, a brain injury - which is occasionally recurring with intracranial pressure, after having been smacked upside the head repeatedly by a complete nutcase I was trying to arrest several years ago - and have spent my fair share of time in the CT-Scan torpedo tubes, from constant headaches to continual swishing noises in my left ear.  But anyways - it is nothing compared to what others suffer.  But back to physical prowess......I have lifted a discus and a shot put – and they are heavy.  To throw a discus and a shot put for far range and in control takes practice and skill.  I thus have tried throwing a discus and a shot put.  I admit, I thought it would be easy – I mean, it’s just throwing an object right?  I grappled my hands around its cold steel and instantly felt awkward, unable to comprehend how one can really hold onto something so odd shaped and heavy, and throw it at a controlled distance; much like a Frisbee on a windy day.  I wound up, took a deep breath, and with one felt swoop – exhaled a small scream and threw the discus – imagining in my mind where it would it land….that being approximately two miles away ala Clark Kent kicking that Football from the original Superman movie.  I think it landed about 5 feet away and like a bad golfing slice about an equal distance to the right of where I expected it to land.  I tried again.  And again.  And again – each time gaining the same result.  I came to a conclusion after GIVING UP, that, indeed – throwing a discus and even more so the shot put…takes skill and obvious practice.  I’ve never thrown one sitting down – but as I sit here in my chair and pretend, I know it is extremely difficult.  When I was a kid, I wasn’t particularly fond of running, despite my (at the time) built for speed body, so I thought perhaps being good at discus and shot put would be good, but alas – nope….I then just stuck to my bike.  All people are good at something – and when they find out what it is, there are no limitations to hold them back; not even a disability - as proven by the athletes in the Paralympics.   

I am quite familiar with Cerebral Palsy and it’s oft time frustrating effects; I know many people who live with it, and likewise, I have my own personal familial issues with this and other afflictions that affect the mind and body.  I have witnessed the occasional and understandable decline of the human spirit when such challenges exist and when it seems life is a constant struggle.  I’ve seen the frustration, the teasing and all the other stuff that goes along with a life of challenges.  The hopes and dreams we all share, can sometimes be compounded for persons who have disabilities.  I’ve always been an advocate for such individuals; I’ll never stop with that – and for the most part, my reason for having even become a police officer was an inherent desire to become a more prominent advocate in the battle to end the chronic finger pointing, senseless prejudices and abuse.  I remember my Aunt Jean Lemire and my cousins Robbie and Kenny Blake, who had so many debilitating challenges in their lives.  Wanting so badly to ‘fit in’ – to find and experience the things all human beings yearn for: to find that love of their life, to have a family, to drive a car, to experience a first kiss, to own a home, to run, to jump, to escape…if only for a moment.  It crushes MY spirit just thinking about them, now gone, and it hurts to know how they felt so much of the time.   

As the Paralympics start to gear up – I urge people to take an active interest in this serious world of competition; you’ll be amazed.  I also would urge people to reach in their pockets every now and then and throw a couple of bucks toward organizations that provide assistance on so many levels to individuals who face life at times with a constant head wind.  Give up one pack of cigs a month – after all, it won’t kill you, it will help you – it’s a win win!  If you know of families who have equipment needs for small children who want to compete in sports by all means lend that hand and donate.  There is no greater calling.  

So, from August 29, 2012 to September 9, 2012, the Paralympic Games will be in full swing.  On August 31, 2012, give a cheer to Brydee as she enters the arena for discus while representing Australia and my new best fanned neighbor Alicia Brelsford Dana as she handcycles her way into history representing the United States - the only paralympic athlete from Vermont.  I suppose I am supposed to cheer for the USA - and I most certainly will, especially Ms. Breslford Dana; however, since my new/last Chevrolet Caprice police car was made in Australia – and is the sickest most insanely fast cruiser I’ve ever had, I will also have to make an exception here and root for the land down under as well.  Actually - I root for everyone; geographical boundaries really don't mean much to me.
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Above:  My Australian made for USA cop car.  Took so long to get here it was a "year" old by the time I rolled out of the fleet garage with it.  It is a Chevy Caprice, but - so I've been told, is called a Holden in Australia. 

Root for your favorite team and event - I know I will be – because I’m a fan – and I bow to the greatness of all Olympians, whether they walk into an arena or arrive on wheels.  The truth is, we all have challenges – some are just more visible than others.   From my cab to yours –  enjoy - and please check these links to learn more about Cerebral Palsy - as well as a wonderful video series by Charisse and her journey with Cerebral Palsy - it is her hope to further awareness of it and break people from having an uneducated and otherwise uninformed conclusion of just what exactly it is.  She encourages people to cut/paste her link to learn more - she is just such an inspiration - I promise you will be hitting subscribe faster than Ms. Brelsford Dana can ride her bike - well, pretty close anyways.     

http://www.youtube.com/user/jazzygirl585?feature=watch

www.ucp.org/
http://www.livingwithcerebralpalsy.com/cerebral-links.php
http://www.comeunity.com/disability/cerebral_palsy/resources.html
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_palsy/org_cerebral_palsy.htm
http://www.cerebralpalsy.com/
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59 Comments
Karen
8/5/2012 01:54:33 pm

This is so true not enough emphasis is given towards these amazing athletes!

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:00:32 am

I agree! Thanks for reading/writing - I appreciate it.

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rsa training sydney link
8/23/2012 05:42:05 pm

Nice blog post about the games.I like the blog post to read.Thanks a lot for sharing.

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Berry USA Berry
8/5/2012 02:39:51 pm

Nice write up Mike. You have always been passionate about helping others be equal. <3 Youre supposed to root for the USA though although Ive been to Australia and it is a great place and people are soo friendly

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:02:49 am

Aaahhhh - yes yes, despite my twisted humor, I do actually care about others. I *know* that I am *supposed* to ra ra ra the USA, but eh, when it comes right down to it, a place is a place is a place. I'll root anyone on who I think works hard -

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Scott
8/5/2012 03:11:21 pm

You know my daughter and I are all in!

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:04:03 am

I know Scott (if this is the Scott I think it is) - either way, glad to hear. Thank you for taking the time to read/comment/absorb; means alot.

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Name (required)
8/5/2012 03:24:11 pm

Thank you for putting the spotlight on this, I feel the same way these atheletes are amazing!

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:05:31 am

Thank you - it irritates me to NO END the lack of media attention, compared to other events that the paralympics get. It's really unfortunate, but getting better and better every year. People are waking up!

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Barbara
8/6/2012 02:57:37 pm

LoveLoveLove this blog up. Sharing it with others. My sister has cerebral palsy and there def needs to be more awareness with it as well as the paralympics and these fine athletes.

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:11:04 am

Barbara, why thank you - I always think I tend to write too much, BUT...on rare occasion someone like yourself comes along. I too, know people with CP - there needs to be more awareness with EVERYTHING in this world besides Snookie and The Situation. LOL. Appreciate your time very much.

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Keenans
8/8/2012 03:36:59 am

Botox lol. You are so right about that. Good luck to all these fine athletes, I can't wait to see what happens!

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:12:45 am

Me either! Going to have to watch it livestreamed though here in the USA, what a JOKE.

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Mark
8/8/2012 06:30:33 am

Tattie is amazing. There is still a fundraiser for her, it was previously closed, but I think it has been extended, I'll have to find out and post the link. Enjoyed the write up Mike, it's important awareness work.

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:19:15 am

I found a couple sites, but they were all closed. Next time! Alicia has accepted my friend request....lol - 'Im being quiet now, but when she is done with the paralympics, KABOOM - her wall is going to explode with fandom from her newest buddy Michael Ruse. LOL.

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Mark, but a different one than the other!
8/9/2012 10:39:07 am

Great Blog! I read about Gutterson in the Burlington Free Press a couple of weeks ago because of the 100 year anniversary. Best of luck to Brydee and Alicia!

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:20:12 am

Yeah I saw that article - it was pretty well done! Thanks for reading/commenting; I appreciate it.

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Jennifer Brislan
8/9/2012 02:43:09 pm

Both of these athletes sound amazing, I wish them the best of everything. GO USA AND AUSTRALIA!

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:21:01 am

Thank you Jennifer; I appreciate your reading and enthusiastic cheer.

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Nathan C.
8/10/2012 01:58:12 pm

Ive never heard of these athletes but there is lots of info on them in google, but I enjoy highlights of ones that we do not typically find in media coverage. I look forward to seeing how they fare this year. I agree the paralympics don't get the equal coverage they deserve, and I'm a below the knee amputee.

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:24:37 am

Hi Nathan - yes I see there is quite a bit on alot of the paralympians, it seems that there is even more to be found on each countries paralympic facebook pages. People are always cutting up on wikipedia, but there is much there to. I have been adding things to wikipedia for years - and some of these athletes are no exception. I'll just take my anonymous bow right here lol. Thank you Nathan - appreciate your commenting; it means a lot!

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Nathan C.
8/10/2012 02:10:12 pm

I mentioned it elsewhere, but I want to mention here that I think that while this site is chock with appropriate humour, it seems a PSA a bit out of place, but I think you make your points so well, and it is excellent awareness that you should also devote a section to it for future awareness issues you feel are important. I'm thankful there are people out there who are doing this, like yourself. I was happy to read of these athletes that I may not have known or heard of if not for the brief synopsis of their efforts. Thank you. Nathan C. Great Britain

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:28:00 am

Oops - should have addressed it above with my other reply to you. I know what you mean. I toy with that in my mind quite often truth be told. I am going to eventually start something completely different so such awareness won't have anything to do with "travelsinacab". The small problem I have though, is that future advertisements on rooftop taxi lights with specific awareness' has alot to do with what I hope to accomplish with this site. I realize my more 'humorous' blogs borderline on risque - it is just who I am - I have a pretty wild sense of humor, it's just how I'm built I guess! lol Thanks for supporting me.

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CrAAAAZYYYYYY EDDDIIIIEEEEEE
8/10/2012 02:35:19 pm

Mike, as usual, you're the man. You and your POS taxi my brother! This was awesome, my little brother has CP man, its a tough road you're right and he has never seen the para.... and neither have I, but we are gonna try. That Caprice is a bad moth** **cker. Seen you I think up on the interstate

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:30:23 am

I know of no one named Edddiiieeeee who has a brother with CP - especially one who may have seen me tearing up u-turns in that Caprice.....BUT - I am glad to hear you're going to try to tune in to the paralympics - your brother and you are going to love it, it's really awesome competition and athletics at it's finest.

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John
8/10/2012 04:19:10 pm

Mike, I thought your brains were beat out of your head a long time ago LMAO. I remember Nunes stock butting you with the shotgun and Eric Hudson tackling him. We can sort of laugh now, but we sure weren't then. I heard Hudson is a trooper up north now, is that true?

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:32:52 am

Is this Espo? Yeah I remember. I'd rather not though! LOL. Yes, Eric is a trooper K9 handler I believe up in the Bradford or St. J barracks I think. Haven't seen him in years. Last time was at the Phish farewell concert in Coventry that we all had to work at.

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Martin Kennedy
8/10/2012 05:00:59 pm

John, Eric is a Sergeant I believe out of the Bradford area barracks. His father Paul retired as a judge several years ago now. I retired VSP in 94 out of Bethel (now called Royalton) and also Bradford. To the author, small world, I found this as a random search for a Paralympics schedule as my grandson is disabled and interested in athletics, well done.

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:35:46 am

Hi Martin - oh yeah, I remember the old bethel barracks - the new Royalton office is quite nice, except the whole electronic gate stuff. I am glad you found the blog, it is indeed a small world my friend, my best to your little buddy grandson - I hope the athletes inspire him to do great things; I am sure they will.

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Sevin
8/11/2012 01:23:57 am

Great blog

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:37:13 am

Of course it is a great blog, after all, I created it *touches up hair*. HAHA - totally kidding. Thank you for reading and commenting - I appreciate it very much.

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Donna Sweeney
8/11/2012 04:12:08 pm

Well said, people often fail to look beyond a disability, and in the case of MS and CP, individuals are more than capable of flourishing in most anything to choose to put their minds to. The little boy from Texas is adorable and Charisse's videos moved me. I wish these athletes all the best with their classifications.

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:42:34 am

I know....Charisse is AMAZING - I love that girl. If only I was 20 years younger! Such a sweet thoughtful person, you can't help but wish you could just hang out with her. MS and CP - there is so much awareness to be done it is daunting. Some people are totally clueless when it comes to it. I have a couple of friends with CP - they are no different than anyone else I know, I can get just as mad, happy or sad with them as I would my own mother. Despite some cases being very clearly evident, I don't even think about it honestly, I love all my friends regardless. Thank you for reading/commenting!

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Antonievich
8/12/2012 03:37:08 am

LOL, this was wonderful.

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:45:38 am

Ahhh....you must have been looking at my taxi pictures. lol. Seriously though, I really appreciate the comment and your time.

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Rosa
8/12/2012 07:28:14 am

Im pissed NBC wont be covering these games too, this was good, nbc can suck it. Thanks

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:47:05 am

You and me both - I wrote a rather dark blog about that, entitled 'Screw the Paralympics' - its about how NBC seems to carry that attitude. Don't get me started. But thank you for reading and your comment - appreciate it!

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Jonathan E.
8/13/2012 11:52:05 am

I thought this was a wonderful tribute to the paralympic games, there is a lot of interest in it this year. I wish these two outstanding athletes the best of luck this year.

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:50:13 am

Thank you Jonathan - it's nice to know when someone thinks that way. I agree, the paralympics are getting a lot more attention this year which makes me happy. Of course, you know why that is don't you? Why, it's all because of ME ME ME and travels in a cab! LOL. The first thing people do in the morning is not facebook...its to check to see if I wrote a new blog haha. Yeah RIGHT! Thank you again sir.

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Carissa
8/18/2012 05:06:42 pm

Bayswater is proud of our Brydee :) Love your website btw :)

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Carissa
8/21/2012 05:52:51 am

Thank you Carissa, as they should be. As anyone should be - heck, I'M proud of her, I don't care what flag she carries! Thanks for reading - I appreciate you taking the time to do so.

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Rebecca Cyr
8/19/2012 03:03:33 pm

Great tribute, ABC is covering it here in Australia, I can't wait to see how everyone does. Good Luck to Brydee and Alicia and all the others!

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:55:15 am

Thank you Rebecca - you're lucky to see it on TV! All we'll see is some recaps for a few moments - it's pathetic. Thank you for reading and commenting and cheering these two on. I doubt they'll see it here, so make sure you watch them on ABC or livestream!

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Jenn :)
8/19/2012 04:15:17 pm

<3

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:57:12 am

Ugh, another obsessed crazed fan trying to win my taxi's affection! It's mine I say! (J/K) Thank you for the heart - I appreciate it very much.

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2XU Kit
8/19/2012 05:45:01 pm

Hi, enjoyed this article very much, thank you for your support and highlighting these remarkable athletes. While it is difficult for mainstream media to highlight each one, I find independent writings often are more honest and reflect the true potential of individuals. I'm hopeful you can do more and that the athletes are able to see and appreciate them. The more, the better. Thank you.

Pat

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Mike
8/21/2012 05:59:51 am

Thank you SO much. I am glad you liked the article, actually, I am always a little surprised anyone actually READS the stiff I write, let along LIKE it! LOL. Seriously thank you - I plan on doing much much much more than writing stuff about such things in the very near future, I don't care what it costs. I really appreciate your thoughtful comment -

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Rachael
8/20/2012 02:15:12 pm

It's funny how we never really hear of paralympics or the athletes in mainstream news, you have to read about them in these kinds of things sort of surfing. Thank you for sharing a little something about these two athletes and the little boy is adorable!

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Mike
8/21/2012 06:06:30 am

Oh don't I know - and often time, this site comes up with the most screwed up searches; I don't get it! I wanted to write about alot more, but...well, look how much I go on and on and on with just a couple. Seeing Alicia on the road nearby is amazing - and I like Brydee for her accomplishments, her ability to press on - and that she doesn't let rough patches slow her stride; I admire that - and for that reason - chose her as one to write about, plus I like Australia - can't always be USA USA USA USA 24/7 around here lol. There are so many others as well. Quite honestly, I dont think that she is even aware that people in the world actually read up on this stuff or can be fans...well, I DO and AM! LOL. That little boy IS indeed something else. What a tough little cookie - its awesome.

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Lori
8/21/2012 12:53:06 am

I love your website.

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Mike
8/21/2012 06:07:54 am

Thank you Lori, always warms my heart to know people *get it* - and like what I've tried to do with it. Appreciate you're checking it out and commenting.

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June
8/21/2012 02:50:12 am

You should post pictures of Brydee and Alicia on here

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Mike
8/21/2012 06:12:43 am

June - well, I thought some of doing so, there are plenty of them out there on google for sure. For Alicia, the news article had a pic of her, and for Brydee Moore, I wanted to be respectful about it, I mean, this isn't the NY Times or anything - to her I'm probably a nutjob - she doesn't realize how AMAZING and POPULAR and POWERFUL my blog is! LOL. Although - this article was referenced in mainstream news recently, and you would be surprised with my weeby chart just how many people actually do visit a day - and it is quite literally from all over the world. I don't get it! LOL

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Mike
8/21/2012 06:12:05 am

June - well, I thought some of doing so, there are plenty of them out there on google for sure. For Alicia, the news article had a pic of her, and for Brydee Moore, I wanted to be respectful about it, I mean, this isn't the NY Times or anything - to her I'm probably a nutjob - she doesn't realize how AMAZING and POPULAR and POWERFUL my blog is! LOL. Although - this article was referenced in mainstream news recently, and you would be surprised with my weeby chart just how many people actually do visit a day - and it is quite literally from all over the world. I don't get it! LOL

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Mike
8/21/2012 06:13:32 am

Oops -

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TM
9/2/2012 12:12:57 pm

WELL SAID START TO FINISH.

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Trishna
9/4/2012 05:16:13 am

Like you said it would be nice to see them on tv to. Will you do a follow up to the two athletes you mentioned?

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Sheila Adams
12/14/2012 11:04:35 am

Omg I hit a jackpot with your site, who knew? I just commented on another article and then scrolling see all these others! THANK YOU for all these very informative articles on paralympics and spotlighting some of the athletes. Oh, and for the fact I am using alot of this in a thesis of mine for grad school. LOVE IT ALL

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fawmanuyawka
2/17/2013 05:09:57 am

Just wondering if anyone you know has done fundraising for these amazing para(O)lympians. You have so many supporters on this blog, and this would seem like the next step in a long line. (Of course, you mentioned having many irons in the fire ahead.)

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