When I was in high school there was this group of guys who were hooked on skiing. They talked, breathed and lived for the slopes. Considering we live in a part of the country where the mountains aren't really that mountainous and it rains more than it snows, it was no surprise that after graduation, a few of them, including Paul Tingley headed out west, to live out their dreams of feeling the wind in their face as they skied the best mountains in the country.
During a ski run in 1994, Paul Tingley was in a serious accident which caused him to change his plans. As he had to learn how to do many things over again, now from a wheelchair, his physiotherapist suggested that Paul try sailing. Flash forward to Australia, Summer Olympics of 2000. Paul won his first Olympic bronze medal in the Paralympics in a two-man Sonar. In 2008 he won again, this time bringing home gold in a one-person keelboat.
Paul still feels the wind against his face as well as the splash of the waves and as the Paralympics begin in London in just under two weeks I wish him the best. Paul is just one of 145 Canadian Paralympians who will compete in over 20 sports. The media coverage will be almost nil and the crowds will be much smaller but that should not take away from the incredible skill and dedication these athletes will take with them. Hopefully, one day soon, as much coverage will take place for these deserving athletes...of course they don't do it for the hype, they do it for the love of the sport. Paul, I wish you all the best; you have shown the Halifax West High class of '88 that nothing should stand in the way of your dreams...Go Paul go!!
Read more: Paralympics — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/spot/summer-olympics-paralympics.html#ixzz23eWs7NQ4
