Proud Paralympian

Welcome to the biggest Paralympic Games ever.

Since the first Paralympics in Rome 52 years ago involving just 400 athletes from 23 countries the Games have evolved into the second biggest sportting event in the world.

In London more than 4,200 of the best sportsmen and women from 166 countries took in the pursuit of glory.

The Games were a record breaker.

The venues performed in were full to capacity. More tickets were sold for these Games than any other. Around the world a cumulated TV audience of around 4 billion people watched athletes perform. The appeitite to see them compete was insatiable.

If you are a Paralympian, you can feel rightly proud to be part of this event and this Movement.

As a Paralympian you are a role model and a catalyst for change.

With the eyes of the world gazing upon you, your athleticism must evolve into a message of inclusion. As athletes with elite abilities, you will give all you have to do your best and potentially win gold. As human beings with perceived disabilities, you must use your immense abilities to challenge stereotypes and stimulate discussions about the basic human rights of persons with disabilities around the world.

The UN has created a revolutionary Convention. For the first time the world is saying disability is not your fault. Stairs, curbs, narrow doorways and texts without Braille make us unable to have equal opportunities. Obstructed aisle ways and antiquated subways disable our mobility. Its message is clear, our “disability” is a product of the environment in which we interact.

Thanks to the Convention, you do not have to adapt to your country….your country has to adapt to you! It is politics, education and health systems, it is public transportation and even the government’s sports and recreational programmes, now they must all adapt to your specific needs…..cool right? But this Convention will remain a piece of paper unless you give it life. As you know, there is no better way to give life than through sports.

That is pursuing the excellence.

How to be a Proud Paralympian?

• Read the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

• Tell the world why you are a #proudparalympian via Twitter

• Continue to be a role model and ambassador for change

Through your pursuit of excellence you are changing the world.