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A Missed Possibility: The exclusion of Paralympians in the Official Paris 2024 Book
The resounding success of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games left many wondering: how would France capitalize on this momentum to truly champion inclusivity? Sadly, the answer seems to be a resounding silence, at least when it comes to the official commemorative book.
“Paris 2024: The Official Book of the Olympic games,” a lavishly produced tome boasting 320 gilded pages and a record print run of 200,000 copies, wholly omits the Paralympic Games.This glaring omission is particularly jarring considering the book is endorsed by the organizing committee and features a preface by Tony Estanguet, the former president and national hero.
While the book meticulously chronicles every aspect of the Olympic Games, from the torch relay to the closing ceremony, Paralympic athletes and events are relegated to a mere two photographs. Even the Paralympic symbol,the agitos,is absent,replaced by the prominent Olympic rings on the cover.
Hugo Sport, the publisher, attributes this oversight to manufacturing delays in Italy, claiming the book had to be finalized before the Paralympic Games concluded. Though, this description rings hollow, especially considering the book’s intended release date coincided with the lucrative Christmas shopping season.
The absence of Paralympic representation sends a disheartening message, implying that their achievements are secondary to those of Olympic athletes. This perception is further reinforced by Estanguet’s comments, who, when questioned about the book, deflected responsibility and cited the perceived lack of commercial viability for Paralympic publications.
This stance ignores the importent strides made by the Paralympic movement.The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games attracted 2.5 million spectators, a testament to the growing public interest in Paralympic sports.
The decision to exclude Paralympians from the official book is a missed opportunity to celebrate the spirit of inclusivity that the Games championed. It sends a clear message that, despite the rhetoric, true equality remains elusive. This “gorgeous book” ultimately becomes a symbol of exclusion, a stark reminder that the journey towards a truly inclusive society is far from over.
A Missed Possibility: Discussing Paralympic Inclusion with Champion Wheelchair Fencer, Cyril Moreau
Welcome to today’s insightful discussion, where we delve into a topic that’s sparked considerable debate: the exclusion of Paralympic athletes from the official commemorative book of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. today, we are joined by a true champion and advocate for paralympic sports, Cyril Moreau, a decorated wheelchair fencer with a remarkable career. Cyril, welcome to the show.
Cyril: Thanks for having me. It’s great to be here to discuss this important issue.
Moderator: The official book, “Paris 2024: The Official Book of the Olympic Games,” captivated the public with its stunning visuals and intricate details, but its omission of any significant Paralympic content has raised serious concerns. Cyril, as an accomplished Paralympian, what are your initial thoughts when you see a book celebrating the Games, yet conspicuously absent Paralympic representation?
cyril: Honestly, it’s deeply disappointing. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were a phenomenal success, inspiring millions with amazing athletic feats and showcasing the true spirit of sport. To see them relegated to a mere two photographs in an official publication celebrating the Games is sending a disheartening message. It’s saying that their achievements, their stories, their struggles, and triumphs, are somehow less important.
Moderator: The publisher, Hugo Sport, cited manufacturing delays as the reason for this oversight, but the timing of the book’s release, coinciding with the lucrative christmas shopping season, raises eyebrows. Do you find those explanations credible?
Cyril: I find it hard to believe that a project of this magnitude, with such a critically important budget and timeline, couldn’t accommodate both the Olympic and Paralympic events. It feels like an afterthought, a box that needed to be ticked rather than a genuine reflection of the inclusive spirit the Games sought to embody.
Moderator: Tony Estanguet, the former president of the organizing committee, also attributed the exclusion to the perceived lack of commercial viability for Paralympic publications. What message does that send to Paralympic athletes and their fans?
Cyril: it’s incredibly disheartening. It reinforces the perception that Paralympic sports are somehow secondary, not worthy of the same level of attention or investment as Olympic sports.This simply isn’t true. The Paralympic movement has made significant strides in recent years, with growing viewership and fan engagement.
Moderator: The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games attracted over 2.5 million spectators, demonstrating a clear increase in public interest.
Cyril: Exactly. People are hungry for inspiring stories, for witnessing incredible feats of athleticism, regardless of whether it’s on an Olympic or Paralympic stage.
Moderator: This book, despite its beauty and meticulous detail, now stands as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality in sport. cyril, what can be done to rectify this situation and ensure that future publications celebrate all athletes, regardless of ability
Cyril: We need to continue to challenge these deeply ingrained perceptions and biases. We need to demand more inclusive narratives,more representative imagery,and a genuine commitment to showcasing the power and inspiration of Paralympic sports. Publishing houses, sporting organizations, and sponsors all have a role to play. they need to recognise the value and the potential of Paralympic sports and invest in them accordingly. We need to continue to push for change, and we need to hold those in positions of power accountable.
Moderator: Well said,Cyril.
This book serves as a stark reminder that the journey towards achieving true inclusivity in sport is far from over. We need to create a world where Paralympic athletes are celebrated and recognized for their remarkable achievements, where their stories are told, and their contributions are truly valued.Cyril,thank you for your time and your passion.
Readers, we want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you see this as a missed opportunity or a bigger reflection of societal attitudes towards Paralympic sports? Let us no in the comments below.
