I’mPOSSIBLE updates toolkit with outstanding athlete stories

Schoolchildren worldwide will continue learning about the Paralympic Movement and its values thanks to the updated global Paralympic education toolkit I’mPOSSIBLE, launched on 3 December to coincide with the United Nations Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Nick Fuller, a driving force behind I’mPOSSIBLE who recently stepped down as International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Education Committee Chairperson, said:

“It is very exciting to see the new edition of I'mPOSSIBLE being launched and used so effectively. 

“In my time as Chair of the IPC Education Committee, the development and delivery of I'mPOSSIBLE is one of the highlights. It is an incredibly effective grassroots outreach initiative, available to all NPCs, helping them to educate and inspire young people around the world through the history, values and sports of the Paralympic Movement. 

“As I stand down, I am delighted that we already have 37 NPCs and thousands of young people engaging with the programme. With the launch of this new edition, I am confident that I'mPOSSIBLE will continue to expand its audience and engage increasing numbers of educators and young people in the Paralympic movement globally."

This newest version of the toolkit includes the inspiring life of Paralympians Lassam Katongo and Katarzyna Rogowiec, who were recognised with the I’mPOSSIBLE Award earlier this year for their contributions to Para sport awareness on and off the field of play, which includes working towards a more inclusive world through Paralympic education.

Katongo has supported the Paralympic Movement in Zambia as a coach, board member and teacher. Working with a local secondary school, Katongo has imparted all his knowledge on Para sport and the Paralympic Movement’s values to his students. I’mPOSSIBLE is part of assets he has applied to engage his students and to make his country more inclusive.

“For me to be nominated, to receive this Award means a lot. I will make sure that wherever I go, in all corners of my country, to encourage young ones to participate in this. Teacher, students, community leaders, everyone should receive Paralympic Education, and I’mPOSSIBLE is the right tool for that,” he said.

Rogowiec is a Proud Paralympian committed to promoting the Paralympic Movement. On a national level, she is recognised as a role model with excellent achievements in her sport. She won two gold medals in cross-country skiing at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. Her foundation has provided support to several athletes. At the global level, she has served as a member of IPC Athletes’ Council (2006-2014) and IPC Anti-doping Committee (2010-2018).

Rogowiec said: "Twenty years ago, Paralympic sport and the Paralympic Movement changed my life in the same way a farm accident changed my parents' life 40 years ago, when I was a three-year-old girl,” said Rogowiec adding, “My life and my sport career path have proven how important the I’mPOSSIBLE programme is to not let kids with disabilities wait decades for their chance to change their lives”. 

Georgia has been one of the countries successfully implementing the programme. Georgia Paralympic Committee International Relations Co-ordinator Tinatin Revazashvili added:

“It was a great pleasure to work with schoolchildren in my country by implementing I’mPOSSIBlE. Usually, children are open to new things and always ask open questions; this project helped me open a door to the Paralympic Movement, which was closed for them before.

"I’mPOSSIBLE is the best toolkit to spread Paralympic Values and raise awareness about the Paralympic Movement through society.”

At the same time, I’mPOSSIBLE toolkit videos’ new look has been unveiled, following last year’s rebrand, looking to further integrate youngsters into the IPC’s vision for a more inclusive society through Para sports.