A typical day at the Paralympic Games was very busy, filled with multiple different sports, tons of excitement and, on the best days, celebrations of Canadians standing on the podium. Based on our assignments and sports we would plan the next day for both logistics, what athletes we were hoping to speak to and what types of questions we wanted to ask. We spent our days at competition venues capturing interviews with athletes to be used on CPC’s social media platforms. The energy in Paris, the spectators in the crowd and the Paralympic performances were amazing to experience first-hand.
I’m fortunate to have come back from Paris with tons of incredible memories, most of them including Canadians showcasing the immense pride they have for their country and Paralympic sport. Two of the most unique memories I had were experiencing a packed La Defense Arena for Nicholas Bennett’s first of multiple medal wins in the pool in Paris and being at Canada House and seeing athletes celebrate with their families when the closing ceremony flag bearers were announced.
Before going to the Paralympics, I will admit that I did not have much exposure to the Paralympic Games beyond the ParaTough Cup. Seeing the Paralympic Games in person and being immersed in the Paralympic movement has allowed me to fully appreciate the incredible skill, athleticism and commitment required to compete in Paralympic sport. Watching Paralympic sport, you see athletes go beyond what you thought would be humanly possible and show that their disability is not a limitation to their ability to compete at the highest level.
The Paralympic Games play a significant role in changing perceptions of Paralympic sports and greatly increasing visibility for both Para athletes and their respective disciplines. In Paris, stadiums were filled with engaged and enthusiastic crowds throughout all the events, giving Para athletes the recognition they deserve. This platform allows them to showcase their hard work and excellence in Para sports, inspiring viewers and demonstrating that disability does not mean you cannot achieve the highest level of competition.
Absolutely. This experience has educated me and allowed me to be a stronger advocate for disability inclusion, both within Pfizer and in the broader community. I'm committed to using my voice to amplify the stories of Para athletes, challenge ableist attitudes, and work towards creating a more accessible and equitable world. I'm excited to bring the lessons I've learned back to my role, and to find ways to further strengthen Pfizer's partnership with the CPC and other disability-focused organizations.
At Pfizer, we are dedicated to our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion where all colleagues feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Through initiatives like our Disability CRG and partnerships with organizations like the Canadian Paralympic Committee, we are committed to advancing disability representation and championing the rights and abilities of people with disabilities. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate the immense contributions of the disability community and recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive future for all.