The Olympics and Paralympics are the first and second largest major international sports events and the two organizations have been linked since 1988 but the Paralympics receives very little coverage. NBC has a chance to show its viewers that differently-abled Paralympic athletes are just as important and inspiring as the Olympic athletes.

Although there will be approximately 5.5 hours of coverage between NBC and NBC Sports Groups, that is not sufficient exposure. A search of "Paralympics" on NBC.com (as of 8/30, the day after the Opening Ceremony and the first day of competition) turns up zero results which is very saddening. It's as if NBC doesn't recognize the significance or accomplishments of differently-abled athletes.

NBC has a chance to make changes to online and televised broadcasts currently and to provide more extensive coverage at the 2014 Winter Paraylmpics in Sochi. Doing so will send a strong message of support and will allow more viewers to be impacted by the accomplishments of the Paralympic athletes. NBC has a chance to connect with the differently-abled viewers who don't see themselves represented in the media and support them, their family and friends, and to be an ambassador for more equal treatment.