The Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympics are going on now, from 12 to 21 March.

French television covers the Paralympic Games daily, at mid-day (12:50 pm). For this spectator, this programming decision isn’t simply a show of solidarity, but it’s also good for sport: the Paralympic Games broaden the kinds of athletes and events we can watch.

I’m keeping this post short to encourage readers to check out the Paralympic Games, on television or by Internet.

Interesting points I’ve learned after a week of viewing:

  • Skiing for the disabled developed just after the second world war.
  • Ice sledge hockey was born in the ’60s, in Sweden.
  • Russia has taken a commanding lead in the medal count. Ukraine and Belarus are also serious contenders.
  • The biathlon for the visually impaired includes shooting. Athletes take aim using auditory cues.