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The races are about to start again in Paris–is now the scene for disabled sports. The opening ceremony of the 17th edition of the Paralympics, takes place today, August 28, at 8 p.m. in the striking setting of Place de la Concorde. For 11 days, more than 549 events under the banner of inclusiveness and zest for life will feature athletes from every corner of the globe, ready to challenge and overcome their personal limitations in the name of sport and inclusion.
Italy will be represented by a delegation of 141 Italian athletes, engaged in 17 different disciplines. This is an extraordinary opportunity to show the world the talent, determination and passion of our athletes, who have dedicated years of preparation, daily training, strict diets and personal sacrifices to achieve this prestigious goal. As with able-bodied athletes, their path to excellence is marked by constant commitment and dedication, proving that sport is a universal language capable of breaking down all barriers.
For all fans and supporters of the Italian team, the competitions will be broadcast free to air on Rai 2 HD, with the possibility of following each event also in free streaming on RaiPlay and YouTube. An unmissable opportunity to support our athletes and celebrate with them the values of solidarity, respect and healthy competition that sport embodies.
Certainly Beatrice “Bebe” Vio is one of our best-known athletes. After winning her second gold medal in women’s individual foil, category B, the athlete’s objective will be to achieve a hat trick of golds in Paris 2024. For those interested in the story of Vio and other Paralympic athletes, we recommend watching the Netflix documentary film “Rising Phoenix.”
Certainly Beatrice “Bebe” Vio is one of our best-known athletes. After winning her second gold medal in women’s individual foil, category B, the athlete’s objective will be to achieve a hat trick of golds in Paris 2024. For those interested in the story of Vio and other Paralympic athletes, we recommend watching the Netflix documentary film “Rising Phoenix.”
A bit of history: from the origins to the present day
The Paralympics boast a rich and significant history that has its roots in 1948, when German neurosurgeon Ludwig Guttmann, then director of the Stoke Mandeville Spinal Injury Center in England, organized the first veterans’ sports games in conjunction with the London Olympics. That first edition saw the participation of 14 men and 2 women, all from Britain, engaged in archery.
In 1952, the event gained an international dimension with the participation of a Dutch delegation, marking the beginning of a growing global movement. The first real official edition of the Paralympics took place in Rome in 1960, where 400 wheelchair athletes from 23 countries paraded in front of more than 5,000 spectators. The disciplines practiced included basketball, fencing, javelin throwing, billiards, table tennis and archery. On that occasion, Italy won a haul of 28 gold, 30 silver and 24 bronze medals, consolidating its position in the disabled sports scene.
Over the years, the Paralympics have continued to evolve and expand. In 1976, winter competitions were introduced, providing additional opportunities for athletes to showcase their abilities. Since 1994, winter editions have been held alternating with summer editions every two years, ensuring a constant presence of disability sports on the international stage.
Sport as a symbol of inclusion
The Paralympics are more than just a sporting event; they are a powerful symbol of inclusion, offering an extraordinary example not only for adults but also for children. This important event allows young people to see how people with disabilities can achieve great things through sports, showing that everyone can excel despite difficulties.
The Paralympics are more than just a sporting event; they are a powerful symbol of inclusion, offering an extraordinary example not only for adults but also for children. This important event allows young people to see how people with disabilities can achieve great things through sports, showing that everyone can excel despite difficulties.
The stories of Paralympic athletes can, in fact, help young children not to give up in the face of difficulties and to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they might encounter along the way. Moreover, these stories can help children develop empathy and understanding toward those who are different from them, building a more inclusive and respectful society.
As a testament to this, a few years ago, the British channel Channel 4 produced the moving promo “We are superhumans”, in which athletes, musicians, pilots, artists, and actors with disabilities sing along to the notes of Sammy Davis Jr.’s “Yes, I can”, showing how every everyday gesture can become an act of extraordinary strength and will. This video, which can be viewed online, helped raise awareness of the importance of inclusion and recognition of talent regardless of physical ability.
