Paris 2024: How the Paralympics is Advancing Athlete Tech
The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are collaborating to highlight the transformative impact of assistive technology within sports during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Named “Equipped for Equity”, the campaign aims to address the crucial role that assistive technology plays for Paralympic athletes. In this way, both organisations are advocating for global action to improve access to these essential health products and digital services.
This type of technology includes running blades, wheelchairs, release braces in archery and modern sensor technology.
Throughout the Games, which are running 28th August 2024 until 8th September 2024, both WHO and IPC will leverage the high profile of the Paralympics to share messages and information focused on the importance of assistive technology. This includes how the athletes use it and why universal access is essential.
Bolstering technology to ensure equitable access
The sports industry has evolved significantly in recent years in the advent of innovative technologies designed to improve both athlete and viewing experience. Particularly as is the case with the Games, technology has influenced sports significantly, helping athletes improve their performance, introduce greater safety measures and make performance tracking more comprehensive.
When it comes to the Paralympic Games specifically, sports technology has been a game changer to improving sports accessibility.
With this in mind, the “Equipped for Equity” campaign will feature personal stories from athletes who rely on assistive technology for sport and in daily life and highlight national successes in advancing access to these critical health products.
“The Paralympics show us what is possible and the important role that assistive technology plays for these extraordinary athletes,” comments Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “But around the world, many people still do not have access to crucial assistive technology, due to its high cost and low availability.
“We call on governments, donors, and civil society to prioritise these neglected but critical products, by integrating them in primary care programmes as part of their journey towards universal health coverage.”
Making transformation accessible
WHO estimates that access to assistive technology remains severely limited in many parts of the world, with more than 2.5 billion people in need of it worldwide.
For instance, only 5-35% of the 80 million people who need a wheelchair have access to one, depending on where they live. This is in addition to only 10% of the global demand for hearing aids being met.
Without access to assistive technology, people with disabilities are denied the right to participate in all aspects of life. They also experience a higher risk of exclusion and isolation. Therefore, WHO states that measures to make assistive technology more accessible and affordable are essential not only for empowering individuals to participate fully in life, but also for driving broader societal and economic development.
IPC President Andrew Parsons says: “The Paralympic Games are one of the only global events that put persons with disabilities front and centre, and in many events highlight how assistive technology can support athletes to compete at the highest level. These technologies allow them to redefine what is possible in sports and inspire millions around the world.”
He adds: “While we get ready to celebrate incredible athletic success, it is critical to remember that access to assistive technology remains a significant concern. We must advocate for more affordable and accessible solutions globally, ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to lead a full life and contribute to society.”
In addition, sensor technology and data analysis has been instrumental for Paralympians, particularly for those with sensory impairments such as vision. The data that these sensors can detect is useful for athletes to identify where they can improve their performance.
From broadcasting, to websites, to digital apps, technology is present across every aspect of the Games. At the heart of Paris 2024 is a commitment to responsible digital transformation and a future-led approach to embracing disruptive technologies safely.
Transformative technology such as AI were used in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to analyse sports performance, safeguarding athletes from cyber abuse and talent identification.
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