The Paris 2024 Paralympics are here! The excitement and anticipation can be felt, not only among athletes and fans, but also within the global community . From August 28 to September 8 the games bring together over 4000 athletes from around the world, each one demonstrating incredible skill, dedication, and resilience.
This year the hashtag #ChangeTheGame has been trending across social media. It’s a call to action for society to reconsider how it views disability and the Paralympics. It represents a growing movement to ensure that Paralympic athletes receive the recognition, respect, and coverage they deserve.
In the run up to the Games, a powerful statement is making waves. Athletes are declaring “I won’t be participating at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, I will be competing” #NotPlayingGames. This message reflects the determination, strength, and competitive spirit of Paralympians. They are not simply participating for the fun of it; they are there to compete, to win, and to show the world what they are capable of. This statement emphasizes that Paralympians are elite athletes who train just as hard and compete just as fiercely as any other athlete. It’s a reminder that the Paralympics are not about pity or inspiration; they are about athletic excellence. They are not here to just “play games”.
In previous years, Paralympic events were often underreported but for the first time in Paralympic history all 549 events across 22 sports will be broadcasted live. In a move to embrace full accessibility Channel 4 (the main broadcasting channel of the Paralympics in the UK) has committed to subtitling all live broadcasts as well as all the advertising. This increase in coverage is not just about showcasing the sports themselves but also about changing society’s perceptions of disability and what disabled people can achieve.
5 Facts about the Paris 2024 Paralympics
• It is the first-ever Paralympics in Paris – a milestone for adaptive sports.
• In Greek ‘Para’ means ‘alongside’ symbolising how the Paralympics run alongside the Olympics.
• An expected 3.4 million spectators will be cheering on the athletes – a world record!
• All venues have been designed with 100% accessibility ensuring a fully inclusive experience for all.
• The Paralympic medals are inscribed with braille reflecting the spirit of inclusion and innovation.
So will you be watching? What are you looking forward to most for Paris 2024? Let us know in the comments!
