The Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, broke all previous records in 2018 when 320,000 tickets were sold. It is equivalent to nearly 90% of all tickets that will be offered for the 12th Winter Paralympics. This is especially noteworthy because of how popular the Paralympic Games have become in recent years. For example, 316,200 tickets were sold for the 2014 Sochi Games, which is twice as many as were sold for the 2006 Torino Games (162,974 tickets). Scroll down to read All About Paralympic Sports: Challenges With Disabilities.
“It is fantastic news that Pyeongchang 2018 has now sold a record number of tickets for the Paralympic Winter Games,” said Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, expressing his enthusiasm.
All About Paralympic Sports: Challenges With Disabilities
There seems to be an increase in interest in the Paralympic Games. However, there has been a discernible uptick in ticket sales every year since they first started modestly. One notable instance is the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, when unfilled stadiums for the opening events prompted the successful #FillTheSeats campaign.
With the help of this campaign, which included lowering ticket prices and making the games more accessible to the general public, the Rio Olympics ended up drawing the second-highest number of spectators to any Paralympic event, behind only the 2012 London Summer Games (summer games usually sell out faster than winter).
What contributes to the challenge of filling seats at the Paralympics?
One major contributing factor to the Paralympics’ lack of media coverage is this. Even though there has been development since the first games in 1960, there is still a long way to go. Even though the Rio Paralympics were quite successful in terms of ticket sales, they only garnered ten percent of the television coverage that the Olympics did, even though the Paralympics took place over a longer period. In certain nations, like India, there was no television coverage at all.
Success at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics points to a promising trend. People are starting to acknowledge the Paralympics as the thrilling athletic competition that they are. However, if there is a rise in both the volume and caliber of international media coverage, this trajectory might improve.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Athletes with impairments may have limited access to appropriate facilities, coaching, and equipment. They may find it difficult to compete in and succeed in paralympic sports as a result.
Stereotypes and stigma: There are still a lot of people who have preconceived notions and assumptions regarding people with disabilities. This may make it more difficult for athletes to get support and approval from society.
Money and sponsorship: In comparison to their Olympic counterparts, Paralympic sports frequently receive less money and sponsorship. This may restrict the opportunities and resources available to athletes with impairments.
Impact of Paralympic sports on athletes with disabilities
Empowerment and Confidence: By giving athletes with disabilities a stage on which to display their talents, paralympic sports provide them with a sense of empowerment and confidence. Consequently, this enhances their self-assurance and self-worth, enabling them to accept their identities as athletes.
Athletes’ physical well-being is enhanced by their participation in paralympic sports. It encourages strength, fitness, and general health, all of which are beneficial for those with impairments who could have more physical difficulties.
Psychological Wellness: Playing sports can benefit an athlete’s psychological wellness. It increases emotional resilience by fostering a feeling of success, lowering stress levels, and giving a sense of purpose.
Social Inclusion: Paralympic sports give disabled athletes the chance to interact with people who have gone through similar things. This sense of belonging and community helps encourage social inclusion and fight feelings of loneliness.
Paralympic athletes are a source of inspiration and role models for people with disabilities. They serve as examples of what is possible when one is determined and diligent. They become an inspiration to others, encouraging them to follow their dreams and ambitions.
Advocacy and Awareness: A significant number of Paralympic athletes go on to promote disability rights and awareness. They fight for equal opportunities in sports and society at large, dispel prejudices, and encourage inclusivity using their platform.
Shifting Attitudes: The triumph of Paralympic athletes has played a role in altering the general public’s perspective on individuals with impairments. They are being viewed more and more as people who can accomplish remarkable things, dispel myths, and promote an inclusive society.
Integration and Equal Opportunities: Within the sports community, paralympic sports have been instrumental in advocating for more integration and equal opportunities for para-athletes. More inclusive policies, accessible facilities, and adaptable equipment have resulted from this.
Conclusion
In conclusion, athletes with disabilities have greatly benefited from Paralympic sports’ incredible journey of triumphs and setbacks. The obstacles have been overcome with unwavering will, from poor funding and media coverage to preconceptions and restricted accessibility. Notwithstanding these challenges, there has been progress in the form of increased involvement, better facilities, changing attitudes, and more widespread support for inclusivity.
It has an incalculable effect on athletes with disabilities. Through their athletic endeavors, they discover confidence, empowerment, and improved physical and emotional well-being. Paralympic sports foster a sense of community and belonging among participants, preventing social isolation and fostering an atmosphere of solidarity among competitors. These athletes are strong role models who encourage people to pursue their goals and dispel misconceptions in the process.
In addition, Paralympic sports have made a substantial contribution to the cause of disability rights and awareness, changing the way society perceives and accepts people with disabilities. Their accomplishments serve as landmarks in the larger effort to create a world that is more welcoming and inclusive than just medals. Paralympic sports will only have a beneficial effect and become more well-known as a symbol of the tenacious spirit of athletes with disabilities as they develop and gain traction.
