Why, as the father of a disabled child, I dread the Paralympics: Hollywood-style narratives are far removed from the reality of life with a disability

Ross Clark talks about the reality of life for his disabled child Eliza (left) after he struggles to celebrate the Paralympics.


'Hand on heart, I have tried hard to like the Paralympics. Four years ago, I watched the opening ceremony in London just as I had the opening ceremony of the Olympics weeks earlier. I tried to watch a bit every day. But the awkward truth is that, contrary to the public mood that prevailed throughout the event, I struggled to enjoy it. Now, five days into this year's games and with at least 20 gold medals racked up by Team GB so far, I still find it hard to join in the celebrations. It isn't that I don't admire the huge efforts that individuals put into their sports nor that I find myself confused by the endless classifications under which the athletes compete. What I struggle with is the image of disability which is presented.'