2018 Winter Paralympics

It’s been 4 years since Sochi 2014 so another thrilling winter Paralympic games has started, this time it is being held in PyeongChang, South Korea, this is their first winter Paralympics and it is seemingly going well. More than 560 athletes from 49 National Paralympic Committees are taking part including Juggernauts like the United States of America.

The spectacular opening ceremony for the games took place on the 9th of march it featured fireworks, fantastic figure skating and of course a lighting of the Olympic cauldron, the opening ceremony had an overall theme of ‘Passion Moves Us’ which is shown by ‘a peaceful coexistence between able-bodied people and those with disabilities’ for example the beautiful figure skating routine involved both peoples performing amazing moves.

After the ceremony the competition began as 49 countries vied for 80 medals in 6 events, Alpine skiing, Biathlon, Cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Snowboarding and Wheelchair curling. The country that has taken the lead in medals is predictably the USA but right behind the USA is Neutral Paralympic Athletes which you might not of heard of, they are Russian athletes who are deemed clean and so are allowed to compete not under the Russian flag though because Russia has been suspended due to the state sponsored doping. They compete under the Paralympic flag, and the Paralympic anthem will be used during ceremonies for those who win gold medals.

Great Britain aims to win at least 7 medals but sits currently with 4 silver medals and a bronze at a respectable 17thplace in front of Austria, Sweden and even the host country, South Korea, Unfortunately GB did not make it to the wheelchair curling semi-finals which we won bronze in at Sochi but with 3 days left 7 medal target is possible. We’re hoping for the best in the women’s giant slalom and the cross country relays.

If you wish to see the Winter Paralympics then channel 4 is the exclusive UK broadcaster, and is the only place to watch the events live or catch up on the highlights. The events end on the 18th with the closing ceremony at 12.30-3pm. And the aforementioned women’s giant slalom and the cross country relays at 12.30-5.30am.