Editorial: Joy of competition at core of sports as Paralympics open in Paris

The Paralympic Games, a sports festival for athletes with disabilities held with the goal of achieving an inclusive society, has kicked off in Paris. In recent years, the level of competition among athletes has gone up, and the intensity and advanced techniques on display are truly impressive. The term “parasports” has become more widely used, reflecting a shift in societal awareness.

One of the topics that generated buzz ahead of the Games was a message shared by top athletes from various countries. They posted on their social media accounts, “I won’t be participating at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games,” followed by, “I will be competing.”

This was part of a campaign organized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The message conveys that these athletes are not just participants but well-trained competitors. They want the world to focus on the sports, rather than on their individual stories of overcoming disabilities.

More athletes, including Japanese wheelchair tennis player Tokito Oda, are turning professional and competing on the international stage with sponsorship support.

In Japan, parasports used to be under the jurisdiction of the welfare ministry, but they were moved to the sports ministry 10 years ago, the same as for those without disabilities, and collaboration with Olympic sports is advancing.

There is an initiative called “J-STAR project” led by the Sports Agency to discover promising athletes. In the latest Paralympics, eight athletes were selected from the project in track and field and boccia, among other events.

The fundamental joy of sports lies in competition. While the adverse effects of an extreme victory-oriented mentality have been pointed out, athletes’ relentless effort to reach higher levels is admirable.

The Paralympics have a history deeply intertwined with war. The event originated from a wheelchair archery competition for British servicemen and women wounded in World War II.

War is still spreading across the world. IPC President Andrew Parsons emphasized that though humanity is not moving toward peace, Paralympic athletes are beacons of hope.

The opening ceremony was held at Place de la Concorde, a location symbolic of the French Revolution. Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, said of the place, “It changed society,” adding that he hoped to turn it into a place for revolution once again.

The 12-day competition has begun with hopes for a world that respects diversity. It is an opportunity to reconsider the significance of different people living together in harmony.