The Paralympic Disgrace

The upcoming 2004 Olympics already has the potential to be a complete embarrassment for the City of Athens as well as the Greek people themselves. Chaos could reign with power outages, phone outages, worker strikes, and gas-canister "mini-bombs". These are among many things that could go wrong in these ill-organized games.

What is more disturbing is what could happen during the Paralympic games scheduled for directly after closing ceremonies on Aug. 30.

Athens will return to its old ways. The bulge of the city that has taken the entire month of August off for vacation will return. Unfortunately, they will bring with them their total disregard and disrespect for the handicapped. But this time, they will meet thousands of athletes, coaches and spectators that have special needs and more importantly, need special attention.

During a 10-minute walk, I saw 90% of all wheelchair ramps blocked by inconsiderate drivers. This coupled by the Greeks' pension to park on top of the sidewalk will also inhibit the handicapped "guests" from moving around the city freely.

Nine hundred pedestrians are killed each year by automobiles. This is a result of the pedestrians being forced to walk in the streets because of the cars parked on sidewalks. It is of course against the law but unfortunately, the police never bother to enforce it.

 We are facing a major tragedy if the Paralympic participants, organizers and sponsors are forced to do the same.

Here are some photos taken on a 10 minute walk:

(click on image to enlarge)

Sidewalk completely blocked	Wheelchair ramp blocked	Wheelchair ramp blocked
Wheelchair ramp blocked	Wheelchair ramp blocked	Sidewalk completely blocked
		Outside Police Station!