The Paralympics are lastly right here — sure, everybody with the post-Olympics blues, there’s much more sporting motion to look ahead to.
Since its launch in 1960, the Paralympics Video games have championed inclusivity in sports activities and past for disabled folks. However though we have come a good distance prior to now 60 years, there’s nonetheless an extended approach to go. A brand new survey carried out by Plan Worldwide UK discovered that 28% of UK women and younger ladies with a incapacity by no means or not often really feel they slot in when enjoying sports activities, whereas 40% of disabled women and younger ladies within the UK all the time or typically really feel unwelcome when watching sports activities with others.
“It’s deeply disappointing that disabled women and younger ladies nonetheless really feel misplaced in sports activities. Whereas obstacles exist for all women, they’re sadly larger for disabled women — whether or not bodily challenges, social obstacles like prejudice and stereotyping, or a scarcity of accessible amenities and actions accessible,” mentioned Kathleen Spencer Chapman, Director of Influencing and Exterior Affairs at Plan Worldwide UK. “Each woman deserves an inclusive surroundings the place they really feel welcome, empowered and free to take pleasure in any sport they select.”
Chapman requires extra inclusivity at UK sports activities amenities. “The federal government and suppliers ought to guarantee native amenities are absolutely accessible,” she mentioned.
The Paralympics is a significant occasion that spreads consciousness concerning the significance of funding and supporting disabled athletes within the UK — and it additionally helps to encourage and encourage younger ladies to become involved. Though there’s nonetheless an extended approach to go, this yr’s Paralympics is taken into account probably the most inclusive but.
As Craig Spence, the Chief Model & Communications Officer of the Worldwide Paralympic Committee, tells GLAMOUR, “It’s more likely to be 55% male vs. 45% feminine. Making an allowance for the primary Paralympic Video games have been solely in 1960, we’re happy to have reached this stage however clearly have some work to do to realize parity.”