Paralympics, are they patronising?

[dave50]

I know this is going to be controversial but what do people think of paralympics and other such sporting events for disabled people?
How can events be fair when there is such a wide range of disabilities competing together in the same event?
Surely some are going to be at an advantage with a lesser disability for a particular event.
If this is so then does it matter and if it doesnt matter, then doesnt it become just a gesture to the disabled rather than a serious competition and taking it further, if its not meant to be taken seriously, does it not then become patronising to the disabled? What are people's thoughts?

[Tim123]

Are separate competitions for women patronising?

[dave50]

No Tim, seperate competitions for women aren't patronising because in most cases it is because they have less physical strength than men and therefore could never hope to compete but they are on a level playing field between themsleves.

[dave50]

With the olympics and paralympics fast approaching are there any more thoughts to my original question I posted last year?