International News - “At a time of crisis, the world needs inclusion, not exclusion, more than ever” - Andrew Parsons

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons speaking at a press conference to mark the end of an IOC-IPC Project Review with Tokyo 2020, he highlighted how the global pandemic has disproportionately impacted persons with disabilities around the world.

“The world needs the Games next summer and, for the world’s one billion persons with disabilities, next year’s Paralympics have never been more important or more urgently required,” said Parsons.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every person on this planet, it has impacted persons with disabilities disproportionately. COVID-19 has made matters much worse, furthering levels of discrimination and exclusion in many vital areas.“

“At a time of crisis, the world needs inclusion, not exclusion.

“Change Starts with Sport and next year’s Paralympic Games are a platform to place disability at the heart of the diversity agenda and show the world why inclusion matters. With record numbers set to watch Tokyo 2020, we are determined to use the Paralympics to change attitudes, breakdown barriers of inequality and create more opportunities for persons with disabilities.