What's happened
The Paris Paralympics concluded with remarkable performances, highlighting athletes' resilience and inspiring stories. Amidst political tensions, the event celebrated inclusivity and showcased the talents of athletes like Fadi Aldeeb, who represented Palestine, and young stars like Bly Twomney. The Games also raised questions about future participation amid political challenges.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Tom Jenkins in The Guardian, the Paralympics were marked by inspiring performances, particularly highlighting athletes like Bly Twomney and Fadi Aldeeb, who represented Palestine. Jenkins noted, 'It’s this intoxicating mix that makes the Paralympics a real privilege to photograph.' Meanwhile, Paul MacInnes discussed the political implications of the upcoming US elections, emphasizing the need for the UK team to remain focused on the Games despite potential political challenges. He quoted Penny Briscoe, chef de mission of ParalympicsGB, stating, 'I really hope that politics don’t impact our preparation or our Games experience in the US.' This sentiment reflects the broader concerns about how political climates can influence international sporting events.
How we got here
The Paris Paralympics followed a successful Olympics, aiming to build on the momentum of inclusivity and visibility for athletes with disabilities. However, the backdrop of political tensions, particularly regarding the upcoming US elections, has raised concerns about the impact on future events, including the Los Angeles Games.
More on these topics
-
The Paralympic Games or Paralympics are a periodic series of international multi-sport events involving athletes with a range of disabilities, including impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency, leg length difference, sho
-
Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,150,271 residents as of 2020, in an area of 105 square kilometres.