Athens 2004: Paralympic Games
Athens 2004: Paralympic Games
After concluding our visit to the “Athens 2004” Olympic Games, we shall pass to the section dedicated to the Athens Paralympic Games. The introductory text mentions that “For the first time ever, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are organized by the same Committee under a shared administration. Thus, they are treated on an equal footing, safeguarding the rights of people with disabilities”.
Ahead of us a bright corridor opens up. Depictions of athletes with disabilities high up on the wall mark the identity of this section. The depictions are of a female basketball player in a wheelchair, about to throw the ball; a runner running on prosthetic legs; and an archer. The archer, without arms, is seated on a chair, holding the bow straight with his foot, while he draws the bow with his mouth.
Exhibited opposite these, in a glass showcase, is printed material and programs from the Games, with symbols of the sports on the covers, specially created for the Athens Paralympic Games. Among them an open information brochure in Braille code stands out, characteristic of the concern for accessibility at all levels of the event. Another of the objects that draws our attention is a Paralympic medal with relief decoration and Braille code on its back side. There is a similar medal on the wall to the right of the showcase which we can touch and listen to its description.
Bidding farewell to this section, we realize that the 2004 Paralympic Games left their mark on Greek society and also an important legacy: recognition of and respect for people with disabilities, as well as the improvement of infrastructure that facilitates their social integration.
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