Where Are the Paralympics in the Media?

By Paige Nielsen

As a generation with an increasing online presence, many of us find a majority of our news in social media and other quick media outlets. Although these sources can be efficient and simple, they have flaws. Often important topics are neglected because either they are tough topics or there is a lack of perceived interest in the story. This year, the Paralympics run from September 7, 2016 to September 18, 2016. Despite the extensive coverage of the Rio Olympics this past summer, the media has neglected to show as much coverage of the Paralympics. While some of the most inspiring stories come out of these game, we don’t hear them. We miss hearing the inspiring stories of the challenges that these athletes have faced and continue to deal with in their daily life. It is not because we don’t care, but because we aren’t told by the media, our main news outlet. When asked, many in the St. Mary’s community reacted with disappointment to how this coverage gap affects both viewers and participants. Samantha Lee (11) commented that “not only do we miss out on developing stories, but I think that the athletes are also hurt by the lack of support.”

​