The Paralympics are not just a sporting event — they are a showcase of strength, skill, and resilience. Held right after the Olympic Games, in the same country and venue, they bring together thousands of top-level athletes with different types of disabilities, competing for medals in various sports with the same intensity as traditional games.
In 2021, the Paralympic Games took place in Tokyo, after a historic postponement caused by the pandemic. For the first time, the competitions were held outside the Olympic cycle, with dates between August 24 and September 5. The choice of the Japanese capital as the host city was made back in 2013, and the city prepared for years to adapt its facilities, ensuring full accessibility.
The Brazilian Paralympic Committee sent its largest delegation ever recorded abroad. The goal was clear: to position Brazil among the top 10 in the medal table. The athletes competed in 20 of the 22 events, demonstrating not only skill but extreme dedication.
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How the Paralympic Games began
The first sports event dedicated to athletes with disabilities took place in 1948, conceived by doctor Ludwig Guttmann. Aimed at veterans of World War II with spinal injuries, the tournament served both for rehabilitation and for restoring the participants' self-esteem.
The initiative grew. In 1960, Rome hosted the first official edition of the Paralympic Games, with around 400 athletes from 23 countries. From then on, the event began to take place regularly every four years.
Among the original modalities were:
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Archery
- Table tennis
- Wheelchair basketball
Over time, more sports were incorporated, and the structure became professionalized. Today, the Paralympic Games are the second largest sporting event in the world in of the number of athletes and participating countries for more comfort.
The Tokyo edition and the challenges of the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic forced profound changes. The postponement of the games was an unprecedented decision made tly by the Japanese government, the IOC, and the IPC. Strict safety protocols were implemented to protect athletes, delegations, and volunteers.
There was no presence of foreign fans. Even the local audience had to follow strict sanitary measures: mandatory use of masks, physical distancing, prohibition of between participants, and absence of physical celebrations such as hugs or handshakes. The medal presentation was adapted — athletes picked up their medals directly, avoiding any additional .
Competition venues, accommodations, and training centers received specific adjustments, ensuring accessibility and safety. Specialized companies in cleaning and sanitary prevention constantly worked to keep everything under control.
Modalities, structure, and Brazilian participation
The Paralympic Games feature 22 sports, divided between female, male, and in some cases, mixed competitions. Brazil competed in 20 of them, missing out only on wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.
Among the most popular modalities are:
- 5-a-side football: played by athletes with visual impairments;
- Bocha: precision game intended for people with cerebral palsy or severe disabilities;
- Athletics and swimming: with various categories based on the type of functional limitation.
The Brazilian delegation included 253 athletes, including 18 guides who assist visually impaired runners. Athletics had the largest number of representatives. Many athletes are part of the Bolsa Atleta program, which provides financial assistance and allows them to dedicate themselves fully to the sport.
Among the highlights, names like Petrúcio Ferreira, Daniel Dias, and Silvânia Costa once again showed why Brazil has become a paralympic power in recent decades.
Social impact and importance of the event
The Paralympic Games are a powerful tool for inclusion. They challenge stigmas, showcase the real potential of people with disabilities, and reinforce that physical limitations do not define talent or competence.
More than just medals, the event brings about changes in mindset. It stimulates public policies, improves urban accessibility, and inspires millions around the world. The athletes' performance is not only a source of national pride but also an invitation to reflection: what, in fact, prevents someone from reaching the top?
The journey of athletes like Clodoaldo Silva — who won six gold medals and one silver in a single edition — is concrete proof of this. Stories like this transform the Paralympic Games into something much greater than a sports competition.
A look beyond sports
The Tokyo edition brought a striking visual identity. The emblem, with a checkered pattern ichimatsu moyo in indigo blue, revives elements from the Edo period and reinforces Japan's sophisticated aesthetic. Meanwhile, the mascot Someity combines strength and delicacy: inspired by the cherry blossom and the English expression "so mighty," it represents the silent courage that drives each competitor.
This symbolism perfectly resonates with the spirit of the event. Instead of relying on empty sentimentalism, the Games showcase complete athletes — skilled, prepared, dedicated.
And you, have you ever watched a Paralympic event up close? Seeing an athlete run without sight, throw without arms, or swim with just one leg changes the way we perceive overcoming challenges.
The Paralympic Games are more than athletic performance. They are, at their core, a cry for autonomy, strength, and dignity. Recognizing this is to respect every inch earned with effort and dedication.
If you haven't connected with this universe yet, maybe it's time. Because there, in the silent backstages of every podium, there is something that everyone needs to see: sport in its purest form.
