Para Sport Against Stigma - Exploring the Power of the Games to Challenge Discrimination

Watch the webinar recording here: 

Event:

The AT2030 Para Sport Against Stigma (PSAS) project embarked on a mission to address disability-related stigma in Africa by harnessing the power of Para sports to promote the adoption of assistive technology (AT). This innovative initiative took an in-depth look into broadcasting and community engagement as well as Para athlete development strategies. By focusing on the vital aspects of representation, education, and communication within Para sport, the project sought to challenge societal barriers, ultimately facilitating easier access to and the widespread adoption of assistive technology (AT).

Stigma and discrimination are among the most pressing challenges preventing access to Assistive Technologies (AT) for persons with disabilities in African contexts, where as little as 3% have the AT they need.

This webinar highlighted learnings from the past four years, a collaboration between Loughborough University, the University of Malawi, and the International Paralympic Committee.

The team shared insights on the importance community engagement and localisation for social change. From broadcasting the Paralympic Games across Africa for the first time to community engagement approaches and athlete development, we explored the games' impact and inclusion potential and what's ahead for Paris and the project's second phase.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this webinar where we delved into the UK aid funded AT2030 Para Sport Against Stigma programme, exploring how sport can shift stigma and unlock AT access.   

Speakers

• James Chiutsi - Malawi Paralympic Committee President
• Prof. Mufunanji Magalasi - University of Malawi
• Dr. Jessica Noske Turner - Researcher, Loughborough University London
• Sheila Mogalo - Kenyan based consultant.
• Samuel Khoma, Malawi Paralympic Committee  
• Simon Munde, Executive director, FEDOMA (Federation of Disability Organisations Malawi)
• Stanley Mutoya, CEO, African Union Sport Council Region 5

More about Para Sport Against Stigma

The Para Sport Against Stigma (PSAS) project, capitalised on lessons learned from the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Raising awareness of Para sports and athletes in Sub Saharan Africa by providing free-to-air coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games for the first time. This groundbreaking initiative marked a crucial step in amplifying visibility and recognition of Para sports in the region.