Sochi 2014 Paralympics: “It's Not What's Missing”

The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics are almost at their end, but don't worry too much about missing out on great athletics. March 7^th marks the beginning of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, and this year, NBC Olympics and the US Olympic Committee is presenting 52 hours of coverage on NBC and NBCSN. This includes 27 hours of live coverage beginning with the opening ceremony, and TeamUSA.org will also stream all events live throughout the games.

Paralympic coverage this extensive is unprecedented.

“NBC Olympics’ commitment to airing the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games marks a significant turning point for the Paralympic Movement in the United States,” says United States Olympic Committee chief executive officer, Scott Blackmun. “Americans have always been interested in the inspiring stories of our Paralympians. With the Paralympic Games on television, Americans will be able to experience the thrill of sport, which is what the Paralympic Movement is about. The Paralympic Games are not about disability. The Paralympic Games are about athletes competing to be the best in the world.”

The Sochi Paralympics will feature close to 700 athletes from 45 different countries. Team USA has an 80 athletes and will compete in each of the five winter sports: alpine skiing/snowboarding, cross-country skiing, biathlon, wheelchair curling, and sled hockey.

Now, I understand that right now ice hockey has produced some stiff but good-humored angst between Canada and the US, but let's forgive the Canadians for just a minute: long enough, at least, to watch their fantastic 2014 Paralympic Winter Games advertisement. The ad beautifully focuses on the strength and first-rate athleticism of Team Canada's competitors.

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will run from March 7^th through March 16^th. Check out Team USA's website to get more information about the games and athletes.