Today in London the Olympics for disabled persons or as they are officially titled, the Paralympic Games is opening. A moment before the lighting of the Olympic flame, we should remember how just a few weeks ago, we were clucking our tongues in shame at the lack of achievements of the Israeli delegation to the Olympics. Perhaps we should repent for the public's, and most of the time the media's, consistent indifference toward our brave disabled athletes, many of whom gave their bodies and their lives for this country. Most of the athletes in the Israeli Paralympic delegation were injured serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Essentially, they gave their bodies to this country, and now only ask for one thing from their fellow countrymen broader recognition. I remember the national pride showered on Keren Leibovitz, the swimmer and disabled veteran, who competed in the Sidney Olympics in 2000 and inspired an entire nation. I am convinced that disabled athletes deserve recognition from the state, the media and the public, on the same level as the healthy athletes that represented the country in the Olympics a few weeks ago. In addition to competing with their rivals on the sporting field, these athletes deal with their physical limitations on a daily basis. They invest all of their energy, day and night and in all conditions, to reach the Olympics. Based on past experience, they earn the most distinguished achievements; I hope that will happen again this year. For disabled athletes participating in the Paralympic Games, the sport does not just build character it reflects character. Indeed, sports allow them to discover not only the physical force inherent in them, but also their strength of mind and spirit. In the Paralympic Games, these wonderful athletes have overcome physical limitations and empowered their spirits. Although they were injured in their bodies, their spirits remain strong. Paralympic sport is unique in its emphasis on overcoming any obstacle. Just imagine the IDF veteran, blinded in a battle against terrorists, running to the finish line in the 42.2 km (26.2 mile) marathon. Picture the fighter pilot, left paraplegic from injuries in the Second Lebanon War, playing a game of tennis confined to a wheelchair. Each of these athletes is an example of a victory of the mind over the body, finding the strength within, and fighting for as normal a life as possible. I remember a national festival held in the weeks leading up the Olympics. Everyone was gambling and speculating about Israeli athletes' chances to win medals. There were listings in every newspaper and website for the public to easily know when the games were, lest anyone miss our national representatives during their moments on the mat, in the pool or out surfing. I will remind you that while many mourned the souring of the Israeli delegation in the medal race, we had 25 disabled athletes frantically preparing for their upcoming competition at the Paralympics. I guess we'll have to make do with only two live broadcasts though the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony. In addition, there will be a daily half-hour long summary on a public channel. I had hoped that the Israeli media and the public would grant their disabled veterans all the recognition, respect and support that they deserve from this entire nation. It is never too late to decide there will be live broadcasts from this unique Olympic event. Anyone who misses seeing disabled athletes compete has never seen a true athlete in his element. All of us should watch them and let our hearts fill with pride. The writer is the head of the Israeli delegation to the Paralympics and chairman of the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization.
