The Olympic and Paralympic Week has kicked off in France, emphasizing promoting inclusion for persons with disabilities. The event, being held across the country, aims to celebrate the values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements, including friendship, respect, and excellence, while promoting accessibility and inclusivity.
The theme of inclusion is particularly significant, and an opportunity to fight against disability discrimination and promote awareness of the Paralympic Games, Para athletes, and various Para sports among young people.
One million students across France are expected to participate in the activities planned around Olympic and Paralympic Week in April 2023 More than 7,000 schools and institutions will be involved, with one million students participating.
“With 500 days to go before the first Summer Paralympic Games in France, we have chosen to dedicate this year’s OPW to a theme that is important to us: inclusion,” said Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee. “With 21.8% of discrimination related to disability, it is crucial to fight against stereotypes and misconceptions from an early age.”
“This week will illustrate the reality of the inclusive school through more than 3,000 projects led by teaching teams across France, in collaboration with the Paris 2024 Organising Committee and our athletes,” said Pap Ndiaye, Minister of National Education, Youth, and Sports.
“With an adapted education system, we guarantee the 430,000 students with disabilities in schools the ability to learn and be assessed at the baccalaureate like all other students in France. During physical education classes in secondary school, we offer all students the opportunity to discover Para sports, now available in official programmes, to change their perspective on disability.”
