Disability, innovation and the power of Paralympic legacy – a reception to remember at the British ambassador's residence to mark the start of the 2024 Paris Paralympics

As the first day of sport kicked off in Paris, and crowds around the city streamed into venues to cheer Paralympians in action, the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) and Dame Menna Rawlings - British Ambassador to France – were delighted to welcome esteemed guests to the 'Beyond Sport' panel and reception to explore disability, innovation and the power of Paralympic legacy.   

Dame Menna Rawlings - British Ambassador to France.

Guests from across the worlds of sport, disability, inclusion and technology joined leaders from Intergovernmental Organisations, Business, Disabled Peoples Organisations and emerging innovators to share in the power of the Paralympic legacy, and how sport and culture can unite visionary leadership and innovative thinking to change lives and drive impact globally.  

Supported by the GREAT campaign, and the Global Disability Innovation Hub's UK aid funded AT2030 programme, the reception explored how London 2012 powered a disability innovation lens, and how the Paralympics and the visibility of Para Sport has enabled mechanisms for change on an international level. Opening addresses from Stephanie Peacock MP, the UK Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth and Dame Menna Rawlings - British Ambassador to France – shared more on the impact of Paralympic sport and the power of sporting legacy to accelerate far-reaching impact.   

Panelists during the event. 

Hosted by GDI Hub CEO Iain McKinnon, the distinguished panel included John McFall ESA (European Space Agency) Reserve Astronaut and former Paralympian – who had the previous evening carried the Paralympic flag, The Agitos, in a historic moment during the Paralympic opening ceremony on the streets of Paris. Join by Sinéad Burke CEO of Tilting the Lens, Cara E. Yar Khan, Disability advocate, humanitarian and speaker, and Christophe Debard the Humanity Lab Leader from Airbus. 

From how Assistive Technologies support diverse participation to the opportunity for innovation to change lives – the panel explored how design is impacted by big cultural moments and the role of the Paralympics in amplifying inclusion outside of sport. With emphasis on the global reach of the Paralympics and its ability to drive disability awareness and challenge stigma, the reception highlighted the potential for decision makers to accelerate chance.  

Guests interacting at the Beyond Psort Paris event.

Alongside the panel, emerging ventures and new technologies were showcased – highlighting the potential of Assistive Technologies and innovation to change lives. These included; Koalaa - comfortable, affordable, soft prosthetics for all ages; Hope Tech Plus - wearable technology, haptic feedback and hands-free navigation; Tilting the lens - crafting solutions for an accessible and equitable world; Give Vision - VR-based wearable vision aid for events and sports experiences; Wazi - affordable fashion led eyeglasses designed by African artists; Go Assistive Tech - compatible modules for leg prosthetics & knee joints ; Para Sport Against Stigma - how sport can tackle stigma to increase Assistive Tech adoption; Global Disability Innovation Hub - homegrown technologies and research 

With a backdrop of the prestigious British Ambassador's Residence - a unique and grand space, rarely open to the public, the reception provided a unique moment to celebrate Paris 2024 and the potential legacy that is just beginning.  

Our CEO Iain Mckinnon and guests at the event.