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Review
'A remarkable book', Olympic Review
'This would be a useful introductory resource for those interested in disability studies, particularly if coupled with a general history of the subject. Summing Up: Recommended', Choice, May 2010
'This clearly printed and presented book is not merely well researched, indexed and referenced, it is an 'easy read' ... I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know the story and background to the origins and development of the Paralymic Games', Bernard Atha, Chair of the UK Sports Association for People with Intellectual Disabilities
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The Paralympic Games is the second largest multi-sport festival on earth and an event which poses profound and challenging questions about the nature of sport, disability and society. The Paralympic Games Explained is the first complete introduction to the Paralympic phenomenon, exploring every key aspect and issue, from the history and development of the Paralympic movement to the economic and social impact of the contemporary Games.
The book introduces the three most important theoretical models of disability (medical, social and bio-social), to enable the reader to fully understand the Paralympics in the context of wider discussions of disability in society. It also offers a straightforward explanation of the importance of language and terminology in shaping our understanding of disability and disability sport. Including international examples and comparative material throughout, the book offers detailed and broad-ranging discussion of key issues such as:
- how societal attitudes influence disability sport
- the governance of Paralympic and elite disability sport
- the relationship between the Paralympics and the Olympics
- drugs and technology in disability sport
- classification in disability sport.
Containing useful features throughout, such as review questions, study activities, web links and guides to further reading, The Paralympic Games Explained is the most accessible, comprehensive and thoughtful guide to the Paralympics currently available. It is essential reading for all students with an interest in disability sport, sporting mega-events, the politics of sport, or disability in society.
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Customer Reviews
There are reflective sections in each chapter making it a handy course book for undergraduate studies as well as some chapters that could be a component of A' level coursework. In each chapter there are study activities that engage with the reader. At the end of each chapter there are pertinent questions and suggestions for further reading.
As well as an educational resource, the book could be insightful for academics, coaches, parents, athletes and any other sport enthusiasts. After introducing the reader to the beginnings and the operations of the games, psychosocial perspectives of athletes with disabilities are introduced in the 4th chapter. Chapters 5 and 6 address how the disabled athlete fits into social and sport culture (through the media). Chapter 6 is very insightful and there are quite a few images from previous games and figures that help the reader grasp an understanding of the subject matter. I would also suggest there should have been a reference to the book; The Paralympic Games: Empowerment or Sideshow? (Disability and Sport Series) as another source for obtaining information on the subject disability sport and media. Chapter 7 follows on quite smoothly with some thorough thought of the major issues with the Paralympics. The last 3 chapters are special cases, Gender inequality, Internationalism and the difference between the Special Olympics and Paralympics. By covering these topics, the reader feels much more knowledgeable of the Paralympics through facts and investigation.
It should belong to all libraries, public and private, as a reader friendly fact finder.
I am ashamed to say I did not even realise that the Games are largely down to the vision and genius of one man, Ludwig Guttman, a German-Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany who settled in Oxford and worked at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. He was perhaps the first person to recognise the therapeutic values of sport for paraplegices, and he organised an archery competition in 1948, and a 'Grand Festival of Paraplegic Sport' in 1949, which are the direct forerunners of todays grand events.
Brittain's work is an excellent, clearly written, information-packed handbook of the history and meaning of the Games: with chapters on its governance; performance, medals and events; disability sport in society; gender issues; international perspectives and many other issues. Well illustrated with much of the information accessible in figures, boxes and tables as well as text. It inspires by being factual and down to earth, rather than anecdotal or personality-centred: the story speaks for itself and Brittain doesn't feel obliged to bring in hype or emotionalism. That works well in my view.
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