How Paralympians are driving change beyond sport

Every autumn, Singapore’s streets turn purple as thousands gather to celebrate inclusion and the abilities of persons with disabilities. Among them is Maximillian Tan, a three-time Paralympian in Para equestrian.

Tan has attended the annual Purple Parade in Singapore since its launch, first as a participant and now as part of the organising committee.

“I’ve been attending since its very first parade in 2013, and in 2014, I joined the Team Singapore contingent with fellow Para athletes,” he said. 

“Being a Paralympian gives us the opportunity and platform to advocate for inclusion, especially for disability inclusion.” 

Born with cerebral palsy, Tan began Para equestrian as physiotherapy and competed at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Today, he is part of the International Paralympic Committee Para Athlete Professionals, a leadership programme supporting athletes’ transition beyond competition, equipping them with the tools needed to become advocates or leaders in the Paralympic Movement and beyond.

“Being a Paralympian has given me the platform to champion disability inclusion and accessibility in my country and in my community,” he said. 

As part of the Purple Parade committee, Tan shares his journey and co-leads initiatives to promote inclusion. In his professional role in human resources, he chairs his company’s disability inclusion group, drives awareness programmes and improves workplace policies. 

His message for fellow Paralympians on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is clear: 

“My message is, use this opportunity to champion for disability inclusion in your community because when we work together, we can make a big case.”

‘Believe in yourself’

For Hanah Ngendo Mwangi, Para sport did not just change her life – it transformed her family’s future. The two-time Paralympian from Kenya has travelled the world, met new people and expanded her possibilities. But that is not all.

“I come from a poor background, and I was determined to change the lifestyle of my mom because we are eight children. We used to stay in one room, and it was not a very happy time for me,” said Mwangi, who has a vision impairment.

“But sport changed my living, our living as a family because the moment I participated in the Paralympics in Beijing, China, I was able to be the best in Africa.”

Mwangi finished 12th in the women’s long jump F12 at Beijing 2008. After returning home, she celebrated with many people and received an award from the Kenyan president. Her achievements allowed her to build a new stone house for her mother.

“With a disability, I went to the Paralympics and changed the lifestyle of my family.”

Mwangi says being an elite athlete has helped improve perceptions towards persons with disabilities.

“When people realise that I have a vision impairment, they used to say some tough words – that I cannot make it in life. But when I started doing sports, they changed their perspective. They understand I am capable of doing a lot of things.”

Her message on International Day of Persons with Disabilities comes from experience:

“Believe in yourself and chase your goal. Don’t listen to others – believe in yourself.”

‘There is a place for you’

For Kerrie Leonard, the London 2012 Paralympic Games proved life-changing because it showcased the strength of persons with disabilities. She was there not as an athlete – she had only started competing in Para archery in 2012 – but as a worker.

She faced disappointment when she failed to qualify for Rio 2016, wondering whether to continue. She did, training during the pandemic while pursuing a graduate degree.

“One of the most fulfilling moments for me was getting a phone call to say ‘You’re on the plane to Tokyo’,” she recalled. “Memories like that make it a special time for me after all the hard work and sacrifice.”

Leonard competed at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 in the women’s individual compound open. Reflecting on this year’s theme of “fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” she said:

“I think we are certainly getting in that direction. We understand the idea of equality for people and trying to make the world a more inclusive space. The next evolution that needs to be made is discussing equity for everyone.

“Everyone cannot be met with the same solution, so being equitable in how we provide inclusion is very important. I think that is a hard concept to grasp for society, and we do still have a long way to go from inclusivity.” 

Growing up in the 1990s, Leonard felt persons with disabilities were “basically kept behind closed doors.” Now, she sees change, even personally, when she spoke to a group of girls under 12 at her local sports club. 

“I was surprised that all the girls were bright-eyed, and their mouths were wide open and they were hanging on my every word. They treated me like a sports idol or someone to aspire to be, which is not something I’ve previously experienced. It was the first time I’d seen that shift.” 

On 3 December, Leonard wants persons with disabilities to know the Para sports community can be a home. 

“There is a home for you in the Movement, whether as an athlete or a volunteer. But we want you here and we want to support you as much as you can support us.” 

‘Share your dreams’

For Canada’s Jason Joseph Dunkerley, sport has always been a big part of life. Growing up with vision impairment alongside his two brothers, he learnt to ride a bike and play football in creative ways before finding his passion for running.

He went on to compete at five Paralympic Games, from Sydney 2000 to Rio 2016.

“I love the freedom of moving and feeling stronger. It has also taken me to the highest level of sport for me as a person with a vision impairment, which when I was younger, I never really expected. I feel like I have a place in the world.”

Sport gave him confidence, and now he says it is his mission to help young athletes feel the same.

“I would encourage young people to feel they have so many opportunities, and not to feel that they are restricted, to be ambitious, and to share their dreams with people and follow them. Don’t be afraid to be themselves and explore and learn.

“Sport is a wonderful outlet – it can change your life.”