Today marks the opening of the 2010 Winter Paralymic Games in Vancouver. And in continuing its arrogant ways — by not catering to certain demographics, as I wrote last Monday — CTV is choosing to run regular programming, versus live coverage of the opening ceremonies. As wrong as that is, seeing they accepted government funding to cover the games (according to the CBC’s Radio One), yet still choosing to broadcast the ceremonies later, being tomorrow (Saturday), it’s beside the point I’m raising today…
Why must the Paralympics be handled separately from the Olympics? I’m not talking about conducting the same events, with everyone competing for the same medals. They already separate men and women from competing against each other. But there is no separate games based on gender. So why is there a need to have one based on ability?
That way idiots, like that of CTV, couldn’t subjugate these athletes moments, and deem them not worthy of prime-time coverage. Are they any less worthy of attention? Not a chance. In fact, I could argue, they are more worthy of attention, for being who they are, and doing what they do.
But there in-lies the tragedy, I’m not asking for more, I’m just wondering why these athletes don’t deserve to be treated with the same respect, opportunity, and pride…
UPDATE: It seems as though CTV changed their tune, and ended up broadcasting the opening ceremonies, after all (again, according to the CBC’s Radio One). But, I think it’s worthy of mention, CTV only felt it necessary to broadcast the ceremonies in B.C. alone…