In the frenzy of preparations and qualifications for this year's Beijing Olympics, the games that follow it risk being overlooked. Not to be confused with the Special Olympics, the Paralympic Games are a venue for those with amputations, cerebral palsy, visual impairments, and other disabilities to compete athletically. Launched in 1960, the Paralympics run the gamut from Archery to Wheelchair Tennis. http://www.newser.com/2008 - Newseren-usNewser Feed GeneratorWed, 03 Dec 2008 22:17:22 CSThttp://www.newser.com/story/37008/pistorius-wins-paralympic-gold.html?refid=rss_all_defaultOne gold medal down and two to go for sprinter Oscar Pistorius at the Beijing Paralympics. Despite a slow start on a wet track, the South African won the most difficult of his three races, taking gold today in the 100 meters in 11.17 seconds. Jerome Singleton was second at 11.20, and fellow American Brian Frasure earned bronze in 11.50.http://www.newser.com/story/37008/pistorius-wins-paralympic-gold.html?refid=rss_all_defaultTue, 09 Sep 2008 12:36:43 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/36778/us-paralympians-sue-for-equal-treatment.html?refid=rss_all_defaultWhen the Paralympics opened today in Beijing, American Tony Iniguez proudly wore his uniform—but he’s also suing the US Olympic Program that provided it. Iniguez, like many of his teammates, believes paralympians deserve the same benefits as their able-bodied counterparts. His suit, filed with two retired wheelchair racers, is headed for the Supreme Court after a frustrated lower court judge ruled for USOP, the New York Times reports.http://www.newser.com/story/36778/us-paralympians-sue-for-equal-treatment.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSat, 06 Sep 2008 15:05:19 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/32217/china-takes-dog-off-olympic-menu.html?refid=rss_all_defaultBeijing is asking restaurants and hotels to remove dog meat from their menus to appease squeamish travelers coming to town for the Olympics and Paralympics, Reuters reports. Beijing’s large Korean population often dines on man’s best friend, and the meat has become popular in Yunnan and Guizhou restaurants as well. South Korea enacted a similar ban during the 1988 Games.http://www.newser.com/story/32217/china-takes-dog-off-olympic-menu.html?refid=rss_all_defaultFri, 11 Jul 2008 12:01:36 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/27695/bladerunner-wins-appeal-sets-sights-on-olympics.html?refid=rss_all_defaultOscar Pistorius, the double-amputee sprinter who wants the chance to compete in the Olympics on his carbon-fiber blades, has won his appeal. The Court of Arbitration for Sport revoked the IAAF's ban on the South African Paralympic champion, making Pistorius eligible to compete against able-bodied runners. The runner is eager to "pursue my dream of competing in the Olympic Games," AFP reports.http://www.newser.com/story/27695/bladerunner-wins-appeal-sets-sights-on-olympics.html?refid=rss_all_defaultFri, 16 May 2008 11:01:41 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/16046/blade-runner-found-to-have-advantage.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThe double amputee who has petitioned to be included in this year's Olympic track and field events is likely to be denied his request today, the Guardian reports. A biomechanics expert concluded that the J-shaped carbon-fiber prosthetics South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius uses gives him an unfair advantage in stride and stamina over other runners.http://www.newser.com/story/16046/blade-runner-found-to-have-advantage.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThu, 10 Jan 2008 15:53:49 CSThttp://www.newser.com/story/51891/how-2012-could-help-our-heroes.html?refid=rss_all_defaultIt is easy to forget about the Paralympics. But for the organising committee of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, of which I am chairman, they are NOT an added extra — they are an essential part of our plans. And statistics from the British Paralympic Association should give us all pause for thought. Between three and four per cent of the British Paralympic squad for 2012 are likely to have sustained their injuries between now and then.http://www.newser.com/story/51891/how-2012-could-help-our-heroes.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThu, 10 Jan 2008 3:17:04 CST