Disability and Sports Blog #3

  

  In my opinion, I certainly agree with Dr. Guttman that the Paralympic Games are a better representation of the Olympic ideal compared to the Olympic Games. I believe that the Paralympic Games include a more accurate representation of most people in the world. Approximately 1.3 billion people in the world experience a disability. This is about 1 in 6 people or 16% of the world's population. The World Health Organization reports that people with disabilities face challenges 15 times more than those who are not disabled, therefore the Paralympic Games are an opportunity for disabled athletes to represent a large portion of the world population that is constantly undermined, underserved, and underrepresented.


Not only do the Paralympics provide opportunities for disabled people to showcase their athletic ability, they simply are able to showcase ability. Disability is largely focused on what people cannot do, but the Paralympic Games give a chance for people to show what they can do. Many people with disabilities are frequently lost in the shadows of their community, and the Paralympic Games give athletes the chance to represent their countries. Three time Paralympian athlete Maximillian Tan who competes as a Para equestrian says, “Being a Paralympian has given me the platform to champion disability inclusion and accessibility in my country and in my community.” Paralympic athletes are able to represent all people with disabilities in the country they play for, and like Tan said, they can champion disability inclusion in a country or community that may have previously underserved them. 

                                                                              Maximillian Tan

I view the Paralympic Games as a way for people with disabilities to finally step out of the shadows and get the chance to represent who they are and the sport they are passionate about. Society constantly sends the message of the Medical Model of disability; that people with disabilities are “sick” and do not have a reason to live their lives each day, when in reality, Paralympic athletes share many of the same ideals as Olympic athletes, if not more. Paralympic athletes appreciate their sports because they allow their bodies to reach their full potential. Even though Paralympic athletes face challenges that Olympic athletes may not, this is most likely a more accurate representation of the typical person's experience, which is why I believe that the Paralympics are a better representation of Olympic ideals than the Olympic Games are. As an avid fan of the Olympics and Paralympics, I will certainly ensure that I focus a little bit more on the Paralympic Games this year, since I fully support what the Paralympic Games stand for. 





 

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