As the Paris 2024 Olympics drew to a close, we were riding high on the jaw-dropping performances of our athletes. Ethan Katzburgh, Summer McIntosh, and Andre De Grasse left us in awe, capturing gold and reminding us what it means to wear the maple leaf on the world stage. And, when the Olympic flame dimmed, a bold (fierce) new one ignited. It was time for Canadians to turn their attention to the Paralympics.
The Olympics are seen as the pinnacle of athletic achievement, and rightly so. The world stops to witness feats of strength, speed, and skill. But, as I see it, the Paralympics are equally, if not more, powerful. They’re a celebration of the almost limitless human spirit, potential and perseverance that can transcend even the most challenging of physical limitations.
Competing on the world stage is about more than just the pursuit of medals; it’s about representing your country with honour and inspiring the next generation. The Paralympics are not about what athletes can’t do—but about what they can. The Games are about fearlessly pushing boundaries, defying naysayers and knocking down everyday expectations while showing the world that living with a disability is not a barrier to greatness. In my view, participation on behalf of one’s country, as an athlete who lives with a disability, is perhaps the greatest representation of determination, overcoming the odds and showing what’s truly possible.
As I think back to my life-changing experience competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, I realize that the event was made all the richer because of the incredible media coverage. The publicity was so extensive, locally and around the world, that the entire event felt like a massive celebration of possibility. For me, representing Canada was like being part of a living, breathing testament to the spirit and power of disability. The Brits, with their unbridled joy, made every race, every throw, every goal feel like a moment of shared human triumph. For once, the media focused not on what we couldn’t do, rather, they showcased what we could, and did do, spectacularly. And Paris, thankfully, is picking up the ball again so it speak. After a lack of momentum in the follow up years to London, the French have, once again put the Paralympics back on the world stage—in magnificent style I might add.
Of course, the Paralympics will always hold a special place in my heart, not just because I’m an athlete but because they showcase the purest form of sport—a setting where athletes compete not for sponsorships or fame but for the love of the game.
The triumphs of our athletes, and particularly those of our 126 Paralympians competing in 18 sports, has given us a collective sense of pride. After all, each Paralympian travelled far and wide and trained tirelessly to overcome not just the physical and mental challenges of their sport but the additional hurdles and financial challenges that come with beingan athlete with a disability.
For those who might have missed the Paralympics, I urge you to seek out the highlights. If you only see disability, you’re missing out on the incredible stories of determination, courage, and triumph When you watch a Paralympian cross the finish line, score a goal, or hit a winning shot, you’re not just seeing an athlete—you’re seeing a role model, a trailblazer, and a hero.
Watching the Paralympics isn’t just about seeing an event or a competition; it’s about witnessing the human spirit at its finest. Each athlete is a powerful reminder that sport is for everyone. It’s about inclusivity and the idea that regardless of abilities, we can all have fun and even achieve greatness.
The joy and thrill of competition are universal. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd in a packed stadium or the quiet satisfaction of knowing you’ve given it your all, these moments transcend the physical and touch something deeper. They remind us of why we love sport—because it has the power to unite, to inspire, and to bring out the best in us all.
Joel Dembe is a Paralympian, public speaker and a senior communications manager at RBC. He’s also Co-Chair of REACH, Royal Bank of Canada’s advisory group for clients and employees living with disabilities. He serves as a Chair of the Patron’s Council for the Canadian Abilities Foundation.
