Sharing the Dream: What does it mean to be a Paralympian?

Discussion Guide and Archived Webcast Presentation

Introduction:  Focused on the topic Paralympics: Inclusion and Diversity, this webcast features medalist Paralympians Andrea Holmes and Donovan Tildesley, with a student-led interview team.  The webcast looks at what it means to be disabled, and whether we are inclusive of people with disabilities.  The program includes a pre-session activity and guiding questions for each section of the webcast.  The questions can be used as the focus when watching each section, as well as for post session discussion.

Pre-session activity:

  • Consider your most important goal or goals
  • Write them down
  • As you listen, watch and discuss some or all of the following webcasts sections, write notes on advice you hear that will help you achieve your goals.

 

NOTE:  If you wish to watch the full webcast, click hereLaunch Silverlight Player .  If you prefer to watch in shorter sections, scroll down to select the section that interests you.

 

Part 1: Introduction and History of the Paralympics (00:37): Launch Silverlight Player

Webcast Facilitator Keara Gillis, a grade 12 student at Carson Graham Secondary School in North Vancouver

The opening section of the webcast provides an introduction and a short history of the Paralympics.

 

Focus Questions:

What is the history the Paralympic Games?
Why do you think these games are held?

 

Part 2: Introduction to Paralympics Video (02:05): Launch Silverlight Player

B.C. Minister of State, Mary Whitley

 

Focus Questions:

What defines a Paralympian?
What happens in a Paralympic School Week?

 
Part 3: An introduction to the athletes (04:30): Launch Silverlight Player

Donovan Tildesley and Andrea Holmes

 

Focus Questions:

What do you know about these two athletes?
What made them successful?

 

Part 4:  Student interview 1 – Focus on goal setting and achievement (06:45): Launch Silverlight Player

John Robert McKenzie, a grade 11 student at Rockridge Secondary School in West Vancouver, and Emily Chan, a grade 12 student at Riverside Secondary School in Coquitlam

 

Focus Questions:

How did goal setting and achievement affect the success of these two athletes?
What were the opportunities that created personal confidence for each athlete?

 

Part 5: Student interview 2 – Focus on training for a Paralympian (08:20): Launch Silverlight Player

John Robert McKenzie, a grade 11 student at Rockridge Secondary School in West Vancouver, and Emily Chan, a grade 12 student at Riverside Secondary School in Coquitlam

 

Focus Questions:

How does a Paralympian become an elite athlete? 
What does training look like for a Paralympian?
What role does a trustful relationship play in training?

 

Part 6:  Student interview 3 – Focus on diversity and inclusion (14:40): Launch Silverlight Player

Eve Marshall, a grade 12 student at Rockridge Secondary School in West Vancouver, and Madison Tardiff, a grade 12 student at Carson Graham Secondary School in North Vancouver

Focus Questions:

Roles of social responsibility, diversity and inclusion
What are society’s attitudes toward people with disabilities?
How can the Paralympics change attitudes toward people with disabilities?

 

Part 7:  Questions from the listeners, including in the U.K. (07:10):Launch Silverlight Player

 

Focus Questions:

Some thoughts from schools in the United Kingdom
How can the Paralympics inspire us to achieve our own goals?

 

Part 8:   More questions from around British Columbia (10:35): Launch Silverlight Player

 

Focus Questions:

What is it liked to be teased?
What is it like to compete away from home?
What are the most difficult challenges of having a disability?
How do you get the mindset and keep focussed on training?

 

Part 9:  Closing remarks by the athletes (03:10): Launch Silverlight Player

Post Session: Summary and last words…

  • Consider your most important goals or goals
  • What wisdom did you hear from the Paralympians that will help you achieve your goal?