MONDAY - Paralympics Wheelchair Basketball

By DR Rawson

The first official Paralympic Games took place in 1960 in Rome. But the game's real history goes back to 1945 when returning World War II veterans created it in Veterans Hospitals.

Sports bring people together and are inclusive. Sports teaches rules, personal care, hygiene, and, of course, how to function as a team, depending on others for the success of the group as a whole.

People who can successfully play as a team are more valuable as employees and as leaders.

Here’s a fun fact: “What percentage difference is there between a professional athlete and a semi-

professional?” Answer: “Three percent.”

TUESDAY - Hey Man, Let's Drop In

By DR Rawson

The story of surfing goes back centuries to its Polynesian roots. It became very popular globally in the mid-1950s and gained global attention in the 1960s. It was popularized on television and in movies, remembering Gidget, played by Sandra Dee, and Moondoggie, played by James Daren.

It became an Olympic sport in 2020 at the Tokyo Olympics. Winners there included:

Men's Competition: Italo Ferreira of Brazil won the gold medal.

Women's Competition: Carissa Moore of the United States won the gold medal.

The Paris Olympics will hold the surfing competition in Tahiti in 2024, further emphasizing the sport’s Polynesian roots.

WEDNESDAY -  Let's Fight

By DR Rawson

Olympic boxing was included as “pugilism” as early as 688 BCE. However, women’s boxing didn’t show up until 1972 as a demonstration-only event. In the London Olympics in 2012, women’s boxing was officially included with three weight classes. Nicola Adams was the first woman to win a gold medal in the 2012 games.

Men’s Boxing Highlights

Muhammad Ali, originally known as Cassius Clay, won a gold medal in 1960 as a heavyweight. 

Teófilo Stevenson, from Cuba, won three consecutive gold medals in 1972, 1976, and 1980.

Boxing is governed by rules that must be obeyed, or the boxer will lose. 

THURSDAY -Let's Dribble While We Drabble

By DR Rawson

Women’s Field Hockey began in the Olympics in 1980, and that year, the Team from Zimbabwe in Africa won the gold.

Today, Field hockey is dominated by countries like India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Australia.

It’s thrilling to watch the players pitch and dribble the ball down to the field towards the goal. It’s an extremely physical sport that demands endurance, which can be achieved through years of practice and commitment.

There are both men's and women’s teams in the 2024 Olympics. In each instance, nearly the same countries dominate the sport. Still, the competition is obvious and typically intense.

FRIDAY - Loose

By DR Rawson

Archery was once the most technologically advanced way to defend yourself and others. Large battle scenes depict it with the lead Archer yelling, “Loose,” and arrows flying. 

Its history with the Olympics has been on again, off again, and now very much on again.

Archery first appeared in the Olympics in 1904, disappeared, and then reappeared in 1920. It was gone again until 1972, when it finally reappeared, this time with women. In 2000, the Koreans began to dominate women’s archery. Today, with new advances in equipment, training, and the presentation of the sport, legions of global fans watch it.

SATURDAY - Point Set, Match

By DR Rawson

In 1895, William G. Morgan invented volleyball as an alternative to basketball. 

Since then, its popularity has continued to increase, thanks in large part to the YMCA. People love volleyball indoors, outdoors, in the water, or at the beach.  

It wasn’t until 1996, at the infamous Atlanta Olympic Games, that the sport was introduced indoors. At the 2024 games in Paris, it will be played in the sand. The crowds love it, and the players bring in the community.

Volleyball's inclusion in the Olympics has contributed to its popularity, providing a platform for the athletes and inspiring many to play.

SUNDAY - Wheels Of Courage

By CJ Coop

Tommy’s wheels spun fast. The hill was steep. “I can do it!” he shouted. Birds chirped, encouraging. Sweat trickled down his face.

Friends cheered. “Go, Tommy!” 

The top seemed far. His legs pushed hard. His arms ached. Suddenly, a rock! His wheelchair wobbled. He gasped. His heart raced. 

“Don’t give up!” his inner voice urged. 

One final push. He soared over the rock. Victory! At the summit, he grinned. Triumph tasted sweet. “I did it!”

Friends surrounded him, clapping. Laughter echoed. Tommy’s heart swelled.

 “Next challenge?” he asked, eyes twinkling. The world seemed conquerable from his brave wheels. The adventure continued.