Forum: Athletes with disabilities deserve equal space, coverage and respect

Recently, I attended a boccia tournament at Pasir Ris Sports Centre. Boccia, a competitive sport in the Paralympic Games since 1984, is a game where people compete to place leather balls closest to a target.

I was amazed at the dedication, skill and sportsmanship the athletes exhibited, but also noticed that the arena was sparsely packed. When I shared this with my friends, most of them were unaware of the event or even the sport itself.

This points to a larger issue: the marginalisation of athletes with disabilities and the need to reimagine how we view both disability and sport.

All too often, society frames disability as a person’s defining characteristic, reducing complex individuals to a single label.

However, at the end of the day, these people live their lives with experiences similar to ours, albeit with a few challenges. They can be whoever they want to be – artists, thinkers, educators, athletes and so on. While their disability may influence how they navigate the world, it is not the sum of who they are.

Unfortunately, this reductive view is mirrored in how we treat sports for people with disabilities. These athletes are frequently portrayed as “inspirations” simply for existing, rather than being recognised for their skill and competitiveness.

This narrative, however well-intentioned, further “others” them. Instead, we need to shift towards genuine inclusion, where disabled athletes are given equal space, coverage and respect – not just admiration from afar.

One meaningful step would be to increase awareness of para sports in the media and schools. Broadcasting events like boccia tournaments on national platforms and integrating such sports into school co-curricular activities can significantly raise awareness and visibility, and foster a more inclusive environment.

Together, these efforts would help challenge the indifference that persists in society.

We must create more opportunities for people with disabilities to be seen, heard and celebrated for their abilities, not just as symbols of resilience but also as full, multifaceted individuals. By doing so, we take a step towards a more empathetic and equitable society. Integration is not charity; it is justice.

Inclusion through sport is powerful. It fosters mutual respect, encourages access, and allows future generations, disabled and non-disabled alike, to grow up with broader, richer ideas on who belongs where. And the answer should always be “Everyone, everywhere”.

Kaustubh Chandramouli Manikandan