Why not increase the length of the olympics from 2 weeks to 3-4 weeks and include the paralympic events in with the olympic events, rather than segregating the two and preventing paralympic sport from being recognised as equal.?

The public around the world is divided on whether the Paralympics should be integrated into the Olympic Games or should remain a separate event, according to a new 19-nation global poll for BBC World Service.

The results of the poll of 10,294 people, conducted by GlobeScan, show that similar numbers favour making the Paralympics part of the Olympics (47%) and keeping it as a separate event (43%). At present, the Paralympic Games are separate, but held immediately following the Olympics using the Olympic stadium and facilities.

But the poll also indicates that views differ significantly from country to country. In total, eight countries favour integrating the two events, six want to keep them separate, and five are divided. Many of the most successful Olympic nations favour keeping the two events separate, with majorities in China (67% separate, 27% integrated), the USA (64% vs 29%), and Australia (54% vs 42%) opposed to integrating them. Germany, another major Olympic medal-winning nation, is divided (46% separate, 45% integrated).

In contrast, in France (26% separate, 70% integrated), Chile (19% vs 75%), Egypt (39% vs 57%), and India (26% vs 47%), the balance of public opinion favours integrating the Paralympics into the main Games.

In the UK, which will host this year’s Olympics, public opinion is divided, but slightly opposed to bringing the two events together (50% vs 46%).

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