The Paris Paralympic Games are underway, bringing our attention to disabled athletes and diversity in sports. As Paris prepares, questions arise about accessibility and media attention surrounding para-athletes.
Countdown to the Paralympics
Paris is preparing to kick off the Paralympic Games this week, two weeks after the end of the Summer Olympics. The city is currently getting ready for the Opening Ceremony, as it ensures that everything is in place for athletes and visitors. The Games will take place between August 28 and September 8, 2024. These gates are strategic, so that the momentum of the Olympics continues onto the next set of games.
Around 4,000 athletes from around the world will be competing in the Paralympics. These athletes come from all around the world, making it one of the most diverse sporting events.
Who to Look For
There are many American athletes to look out for, including Oksana Masters, who will compete in para-cycling, Jessica Long, winner of 16 gold medals as a para swimmer, and Tahl Leibovitz, a five-time para table tennis player at the Games.
The Paralympics are expected to receive substantial media coverage, with broadcasts that reach millions of viewers worldwide. Major networks will air the live events, so that global audiences can watch.
The year will be the first time all 22 sports played in the Paralympic Games receive some sort of broadcast coverage, drawing our attention to the importance of supporting para athletes as well as non-para athletes.
The Paralympics are important in promoting inclusivity and giving all athletes with all abilities the opportunity to compete on a global stage. Ideally, these games can challenge stereotypes and broaden our understanding of diversity.
This years’ Paralympic athletes come from a range of backgrounds, with varying physical and intellectual disabilities. These games are a chance to showcase athletes of many abilities dominating in their sports.
Infrastructure Improvements
Paris has considered many infrastructural improvements while preparing for the Paralympic Games. This includes enhancing accessibility in the venues to make sure that the city is ready to accommodate athletes and visitors.
Accessibility is important for organizers. Transportation and accommodations are designed with inclusivity in mind, so that athletes can focus on their events.
Public Awareness
Paris and media sights are trying to raise public awareness about the start of the Paralympic games, encouraging locals to get involved. However, whether or not the Paralympics will receive the media and public attention it deserves will be up to the city and its people.
Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, spoke on the Paralympics games: “The Olympics were the first leg of the match, and now comes the second leg with the Paralympics. It will be equally as spectacular.”
How the media and general public choose to discuss the upcoming games is important. In the past, many Paralympians were seen as “overcoming” their disabilities in order to participate, marking them victims rather than athletes in their own right.
Past games have seen athletes be referred to as “participants” rather than “competitors,” which further plays on stereotypes. Coverage tends to treat these athletes as heroes, rather than just athletes in their own sports.
Playing Off of the Olympics
Paris’ primary focus for attendance at the Paralympics is to play on the Olympics’ viewership, which was the most-streamed Games of all time. If done right, the Paralympics could also join those ranks with high viewership.
Paris is confident that the Paralympics’ numbers will also reach a record-high, as this summer seems to be filled with patriotism. Support for Paralympic athletes comes from a wide range of sources, including government agencies, sponsors, and the general public. This support is important so that athletes are able to feel supported and focus on their sports.
Paris is working hard to combat the challenges that come with building a venue designed for accessibility and comfort for its athletes. The organizing committee is working hard to make it a seamless transition
The Paris Paralympics hopes to leave a legacy of inclusivity that acknowledges the successes of its athletes. By engaging global viewership, creating an impressive venue, and generating a memorable event, this year’s Paralympics may do just that.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / noriox.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.
