MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Strength takes on many forms, and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games has set the global stage for para-athletes to showcase their vigor and skills. Birthed from Sir Ludwig Guttmann’s desire to use sports as a rehabilitation method in the ’40s, the Paralympic Games has transformed into an international event — gathering over 4,000 athletes to compete across 22 sports (for the summer edition) this year.
While the Olympics tend to overshadow the Paralympic Games, the latter deserves just as much clamor. The Paralympic Games is not only a celebration of peak athletic excellence but a call to inclusivity and diversity. That’s why adobo Magazine is highlighting campaigns that empower these remarkable Paralympians.
Athletes need opportunities to become champions…
How does one become a winner? According to the first Filipino Paralympic medalist, Adz Dumapong, the first step is to have the chance to compete. Through GCash Stories, Adz recalls her humble beginnings and how one sponsor was all she needed to make history. Since her victory, Adz has advocated for aspiring athletes, urging people to support their dreams, specifically through donations.
Championing talent is important to adobo Magazine, and like Adz, athletes are worth investing in. GCash’s initiative is a step in the right direction because everyone should have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of financial status.
…but Paralympians don’t need your sympathy
People with “disabilities” are often shoved into boxes and pitied by the very people who put them there, but Channel 4 dispels that notion with its intense, attention-grabbing short film Considering What?
Thanks to the impeccable sound design and gravity-defying visuals, one can’t help but hold onto every second. The film causes a reaction so visceral that you might involuntarily flinch. However, more than the cinematic flair, its overriding message leaves the biggest impact — sport doesn’t care about disability, and everyone is, in fact, capable of achieving great things.
Watch the Filipino Paralympians of Paris 2024 in their element
Have no idea what sports the six Philippine representatives for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are competing in? Well, you’re in luck because rezonate has made an animated reel, sharing a glimpse of the incredible para-athletes in action.
The vibrancy and energetic movements recreated by the New York-based motion studio are a beautiful homage to the Filipino Paralympians. In addition to the stunning visuals, the intent to push for inclusion in every aspect of our lives while amplifying the athletes’ dedication is worth commending.
By the way — you don’t have to be in Paris to snag a seat
The adobo Magazine team is seated for this year’s Paralympic Games, and independent creative agency SLIK is letting Australians know they can be too. Following the success of the Paralympics Australia’s fundraising campaign for Tokyo 2020, SLIK has built another virtual stadium to give fans the same exhilarating viewing experience as the live audience.
The idea itself is already brilliant, but going the extra mile to guarantee that the user experience is accessible to para-athletes makes this project even more special. Sports bring communities together, and this virtual stadium is a fantastic tool to unite a country eager to cheer on its athletes.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will run from August 28 to September 08.
