As we look forward to the start of the Paralympics 2024 in Paris, it's the perfect time to reflect on how far para-sport has come and how it supports positive change in our society:
At The Social Deck, we often work with organisations and governments on projects and policies that aim for better outcomes for people with disability – from engaging with individuals with disabilities to develop Australia’s Disability Strategy, to understanding the impacts of COVID-19 on students with disabilities.
We value opportunities to connect with people who are impacted by these policies. We support not only our clients but also our staff in their community work to create a more inclusive Australia.
Our Practice Manager, Patrick, went to Europe in 2023, where he completed his training to become a para-sport classifier. Patrick reflects on his experience and the far-reaching potential of para-sport to improve the lives of people with disability.
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I appreciate the skill required to play a sport with a disability – regardless of the sport. Consider a few examples:
- Tennis: Playing on an 8x12m clay court, aiming to send a ball over a 1m high net, is challenging. Adding the coordination of a wheelchair – matching its speed to the ball's bounce and swiftly redirecting post-strike – brings the challenge up to a whole new level.
- Alpine skiing: Picture hurtling down a snowy slope at high speeds with a vision impairment. The required preparation and precision are remarkable.
- Table tennis: Imagine playing without the use of your arms or hands, finding other means to skillfully reach and strike the small white ball.
I admire these athletes and am thankful that we get to see more of them and hear their stories over the next few weeks, thanks to the Paralympic games.
The Paralympics have seen a significant increase in popularity in Australia recently, reflected in record viewership and media coverage.
The rise in popularity of para-sport can extend beyond individual appreciation – it can positively influence policies and outcomes for people with disability on a larger scale:
- Inclusivity and accessibility: Greater visibility and awareness of the challenges faced by people with disability can encourage policymakers to prioritise accessibility in public spaces, transportation, education, and employment.
- Sports and recreation: Increased interest and investment in adaptive sports and inclusive community programs mean more people with disability can participate in sports, and enjoy the physical and mental well-being benefits.
- Workforce diversity: Improved representation and understanding can shift perceptions about disability in the workplace, leading to more employment opportunities and economic independence. Check out our blog for practical tips on improving employment for people with disability.
- Reducing social stigma: Growing interest in the Paralympics can help lessen social stigmas and stereotypes about disability. It may spur policymakers to develop initiatives that prioritise disability awareness, combat discrimination, and promote inclusion.
With heightened popularity, the stakes have also increased for athletes, coaches, and administrators in para-sport. Some challenges of this were highlighted by a Four Corners report last year.
The report highlighted the need for robust systems in para-sport that ensure fair and ethical competition. This is where my training and role as a classifier come into play, managing the categorisation of athletes based on their disabilities.
My classifier training has deepened my appreciation for areas we often encounter in community discussions about inclusion and disability:
- Individuality: It's important to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and recognise everyone’s unique strengths and challenges. Like the diverse categories in the Paralympics, there is a vast range of abilities and personal differences within any group. Emphasising these nuances levels the playing field for everyone.
- Inclusion: In sports classification, the focus is on athletes' abilities rather than their disabilities. It demonstrates that everyone has the potential to contribute meaningfully when given the right support and opportunities This shift in thinking can help inform and implement strategies in other areas, such as education, workplaces, and public spaces. You can read about our commitment to inclusion and our specific actions.
- Focus on skill and effort: Classification ensures that athletic success is based on skill and effort, not disability. The aim is a gold medal at the Paralympic Games, and a gold in one class holds the same value as in any other.
These insights remind me of our work and how sports classification can mirror broader societal dynamics – demonstrating the benefits of diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity, and tailored solutions to wider challenges.
