Syed Talib
Updated on: October 8, 2024 12:15 am GMT
As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games draw to a close this weekend, the atmosphere surrounding the event has been nothing short of electric, with attendance numbers projected to exceed 2.5 million. This year’s games have highlighted the athletic prowess and determination of para-athletes while continuing the momentum generated by the landmark London 2012 Games. However, critical discussions around the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities remain front and center.
Record Attendance and Enthusiastic Crowds
The Paris Paralympics have captivated audiences, indicating a resurgence in public interest in parasport. The aggregate attendance is expected to approach the record set during London 2012, showcasing an intense enthusiasm from spectators. French athletes, in particular, have drawn passionate support, amplifying excitement as they competed for medals.
Exceptional Performances from Team GB
The British team has emerged as a strong contender in the medal tally, competing closely with the United States for the second spot overall. Among the standout performances was that of Sarah Storey, who competed in her ninth Paralympics, bagging her 19th gold medal. Additionally, 14-year-old Bly Twomey made headlines for becoming the youngest British Paralympian to win a medal during her debut competition.
The achievements of athletes like Storey and Twomey exemplify the heights to which para-athletes have risen, thanks in part to improved funding and visibility for parasports.
Media Coverage and Viewer Engagement
Channel 4 has recorded substantial viewer engagement during the games, reporting an impressive 17 million viewers in the first week across its linear and streaming platforms. This figure showcases a 25% increase compared to Tokyo 2020, aligning with positive trends in diversifying the audience for parasport.
The broadcaster has successfully engaged younger demographics as well, achieving its most significant share of viewers aged 16-34 for a Paralympic Games, surpassing their previous performance during London 2012. Major moments such as Tully Kearney’s gold in the Women’s 200m Freestyle S5 final captivated over 1.6 million viewers, while David Weir’s near-success during the Men’s T54 1500m race drew 1.5 million spectators.
Reflecting on the Risks and Rewards of Coverage
Channel 4 has evolved its approach to coverage since 2012, moving away from narratives that overly emphasize the “triumph over adversity” trope, and instead focusing on the athletes’ achievements and capabilities. Rose Ayling-Ellis, who broke barriers as the first deaf television host to present live sport, exemplifies this shift toward more inclusive representation of para-athletes.
The Importance of Sustained Investment
Ollie Hynd, a former Paralympic champion, emphasized that the successes witnessed at these games are not coincidental, citing the critical role of sustained investment in sports. This funding, largely credited to the National Lottery, has enabled GB athletes to train under premier conditions with advanced support systems, thus improving preparatory outcomes ahead of the games.
Challenges Beyond the Arena
While the sporting achievements and viewer engagement during the Paris Paralympics are commendable, challenges remain for the disabled community outside of the sporting environment. Tanni Grey-Thompson, a prominent British Paralympian, publicly addressed issues in social care and accessibility, underlining the need for real-life improvements in the lives of people with disabilities. Her experience of struggling to get assistance when exiting a train pointed to a persistent climate of neglect toward the daily realities faced by disabled individuals.
Lisa Nandy, the new culture secretary, asserted that the legacy of Team GB should extend beyond accolades and should encompass tangible opportunities for disabled people in everyday life. A call to action has been made for the government and organizations to translate the inspiration from the Paralympics into actionable inclusivity and access for all.
Looking Ahead
As the closing ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Paralympics approach, the discussion surrounding the games will hopefully transcend mere applause for medal winners. The narrative must evolve into one of systemic change for people with disabilities, ensuring that the spirit of inclusion and opportunity permeates everyday life. The highlight of these games lies not only in the competition but also in the potential for profound social change inspired by the athletes’ achievements.
Talking about these important issues can really help bring about change. It shows that having inclusive policies is important and can change how we think about disabilities. We can make the future better by improving accessibility, strengthening social care, and creating a place where everyone, including disabled people, can succeed. After the Paralympics, it’s up to all of us to work together to make this happen.
