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If you have been following Richard's story, then you are aware how hard both he and his mother have worked to make it possible for him to qualify and compete in the 2004 Paralympics. The following is a part of the overwhelming frustration his mother and others are now experiencing. If you have not yet visited my front page Disabled
A mother's frustration: QUOTE (message sent 1/30/01)
Gail,
This is not fair. Why do we have to get penalized for other Countries? Why
don't other countries get more strict with their requirements? Why can't the
IPC set more stringent rules for all countries to follow? Why do our kids
have to be punished because of Spain? Why can't the IPC make Spain an
example and do something more than just take their medals away...like ban
the entire country from the Games for 12 years?! AND FINE them! Why not ban
them from the Olympics too! Maybe then the other countries will take this
more seriously.
Richard wants to go to GREECE in 2004. Now does this mean that he will never
get the slightest chance to represent his country? We have found swimming to
make these kids proud, to stand tall, to have hope and dreams that maybe
someday they could do something great. I'm not saying that they would make
the team but the thought of getting a chance gives them something, a goal to
work towards. This is what they need and now the IPC is taking that away.
The IPC should drop Countries from the Games who break the rules, NOT our
kids who deserve the chance.
I only hope that the IPC will wake up and open their eyes to what they are
doing to those who follow the rules.
Kind regards,
Lauren
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