Para Athletes Advocate‍ for Year-Round Sports Visibility

Updated June 03, 2025

Top Para athletes are calling for increased visibility and media coverage of Para sports, not just during the Paralympic Games, but throughout the year. They emphasize the importance of showcasing the dedication and skill involved in‌ Para athletics and inspiring the next generation.

Dame ⁢Sarah Storey stressed the need for continuous​ coverage, noting that para athletes‍ participate in European and World Championships, among⁣ other events,​ during the four-year ⁤cycle between⁢ Paralympic Games. Amy‍ Truesdale echoed this sentiment, highlighting the numerous competitions that often go unnoticed.

abdi Jama urged the public to recognize Para athletes first as athletes, emphasizing their rigorous training.He also advocated for more inclusive physical education in⁢ schools to inspire young people with disabilities.

Claire Cashmore believes greater representation will normalize disability and foster investment in athletes’ careers. Dave Ellis added that consistent television coverage ⁣would allow audiences to develop ⁣a following for Para sports and its athletes.

We’re athletes, you⁢ know, forget about the disability. We’re athletes. We train as hard as ​anybody else in the world and we showcase that.

Hannah Cockroft pointed out that many‍ local Para sports events are free and ⁢open to the public. Alfie Hewett sees sport as a platform‌ for change and education, hoping to maintain the momentum and attention gained during the Paralympics.

What’s next

Advocates ⁤plan to continue pushing‍ for greater media representation and public awareness of Para ⁢sports, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape.