Like most Vancouverites, I'm still faintly aglow from the Olympic spectacle and overwhelming public spirit that overtook our city a few weeks ago. However, last night as I watched the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games opening ceremony on TV, I was moved by the individual spirit and joy of each athlete that entered the BC Place stadium.
Competing in a sport is hard enough, but try doing that when you are missing an arm or a leg, or both. Through determination and perseverance, these athletes have overcome physical adversity to do many things that able-bodied people can't, or don't even try to do.
There's a lesson for all of us in their example. Even if you don't have any physical disability, all of us have experienced hardship in some form or other in our lives. Maybe it's illness, maybe it's job-related, maybe it's about family and loved ones, maybe it's about your relationships. Whatever your unique misfortune is, these athletes have shown us -- have reminded me -- that with a positive attitude and hard work, almost anything is possible. We don't need to wallow in our situation, we have the ability to do something about it. Be inspired by the courage of others who have overcome difficult circumstances, and make the best of each day.
So here's looking forward to another week of watching amazing performances by not only physically, but also emotionally inspiring athletes.
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