After having attended 11 Olympiads in the past 30 years, I was very blessed to attend my very first Paralympics this year in Vancouver, BC. My two grown daughters took time away from their jobs as a physician and lawyer to join me. Together we were inspired by the incredible will, drive and athleticism of these athletes with disabilities. One event in particular we got to see was the Giant Slalom, and we were so amazed by the athletes' speed, grace and agility.

The Paralympics stemmed from Dr. Ludwig Guttmann's advocacy of using sports as a form of therapy for those injured during World War II. He organized the 1948 International Wheelchair Games, which coincided with the 1948 London Olympics. His dream of people with disabilities participating in an event that was "the equivalent of the Olympic Games" became a reality in Rome, Italy in 1960 with the first Paralympic Games, which included over 400 athletes in the competition. Over the past 50 years, this event has grown and now includes more athletes and countries than ever before. A more detailed history of the Paralympics can be found here.

In addition to increased participation over the years, the International Paralympic Committee has worked to expand the range of disabilities and classifications which are included in the games. In consideration of this, two medical commissions meet on a regular basis to set standards for the health and well being of all athletes.

My daughters and I were so moved by the dedication of these champions, many of whom have full-time jobs and are not sponsored, such as the UK Paralympic Rower Alastair McKean. Recently 11 athletes from the University of Oregon football team were prosecuted for various crimes, including harassment and theft. These football players, who are always in the limelight, had such bright futures and so many people helping and supporting them along the way. In light of these recent scandals, I can't help but observe the giant shadow cast over athletes with disabilities. They don't all drive fancy cars, have access to expensive, high quality training facilities, receive VIP treatment, or get full-ride scholarships. Paralympians deserve so much more.