How accessible are the Paralympics? | The Stream

The Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games will feature around 4,400 athletes in 22 sports adapted for players with disabilities. As one of the largest international events for athletes with disabilities, the Paralympics have long been steeped in activism for disability rights. But what challenges remain in improving access to sport?

In many countries, the barriers to participating in sport remain high, as adaptive athletes face challenges including non-accessible facilities, difficulties with travel, and a lack of support staff.

Even athletes who compete at the elite level face similar challenges. American Paralympic gold-medalist swimmer Becca Meyers, who is deaf and blind, withdrew from the Tokyo Games after the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) denied her request to travel with a personal care assistant. Meyers' case has sparked renewed criticism that sporting federations and other groups meant to support para-athletes are continuing to fall short.

In this episode of The Stream, we'll discuss the Paralympic Games and what should be done to improve access to sport.

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