Fostering Inclusion Through Sport: Paralympic Games Spotlight

As the Paralympic Games approach, it’s a golden opportunity to reflect on the power of inclusion in athletics. Coach Becky, Rebekah Roulier, LMHC , shared a preview of our #CoachingTips on fostering inclusion in your sporting community.

The #Paralympics not only showcase remarkable athletic achievements but also serve as a platform for promoting diversity and inclusivity in sports. Here are several strategies to integrate these principles into your coaching and programs:

Expand Your Knowledge to Inspire Athletes

Understanding the Paralympic movement's history and significance can profoundly shape how athletes view sports. The more you know about the diverse world of sports, the more you can broaden your athletes' perspectives.

Educate yourself and your team about the remarkable Paralympic athletes competing this year. With social media, it's easier than ever to get connected. This knowledge can inspire a more inclusive mindset within your sporting community.

How You Narrate Sport Matters

As a coach or clinician, you act as your athletes’ color commentary. The athletes and stories you highlight, the summaries you provide, and the fun facts you share all shape your team’s understanding of sports. When discussing athletes, especially those competing in the Paralympics, remember that you’re not just sharing information—you’re influencing how your athletes see the world of sport and who belongs in it.

The IPC (International Paralympic Committee) launched a campaign for Paris 2024, to challenge language bias. The campaign, shared on social media by Paralympians, centers on #CompetingNotParticipating and focuses on Paralympic sporting abilities and fierce determination to win.

Champion Inclusion in All Arenas

Inclusion should be a core value in every sporting environment, from youth leagues to elite competitions. Ensure your message is clear: everyone belongs, and excellence comes in many forms. Use every opportunity, from team meetings to off-the-field interactions, to reinforce the principle that sport is for everyone, regardless of ability.

Watch the Paralympics—Viewership Matters

Encouraging your team to watch the Paralympics can be a powerful way to integrate inclusivity into your program’s culture. Include Paralympic events in film sessions or team meetings, suggest watching these competitions during breaks, and highlight Paralympians' achievements in your conversations. This active engagement can expand athletes' understanding of what’s possible and reinforce the importance of inclusivity.

By fostering an inclusive environment and championing diversity in sports, we can help shape a more inclusive future for all athletes. Consider the following as we head into #Paris2024 once more.

• What strategies will you be implementing as you watch the Paralympics?
• How can integrating the Paralympics into our activities change the perspectives of young athletes regarding diversity and inclusion in sports?
• What are some specific steps you can take within your team or organization to promote inclusion in sports?

At Doc Wayne, we utilize the power of sport and mental health, #sportbasedtherapy, to empower coaches and promote healthier and more resilient communities across the globe. We work to equip coaches with practical and accessible tools and strategies like those in this article. Enjoy the Paralympic Games and be inspired by the extraordinary athleticism and achievements of Paralympic athletes. Together, let's broaden and deepen our perspectives on sport and those who compete!