Sharmistha Gooptu in Paris
Yesterday was the day of the closing of the Paralympics and the Paris Games as a whole. The city of Paris had been on its toes and especially the police, who manned the streets and venues tirelessly, and deserved a thumbs up.
Our hotel in Bercy has also housed police contingents through the duration of the Paralympic Games, because the Bercy Arena is next door and it’s heavy security. The policemen and women are looking forward to going home and taking a break I’m sure, just as we are looking forward to returning.
Today was our last picture in front of the Eiffel Tower, historic really, because the Olympic rings on the Tower will be taken down after the end of the Paris Games. What will stay is a legacy – for Paris and for us – for India, which has surpassed all expectations at the Paralympics.
Yesterday, Paris opened all its swimming pools to the public as a gesture to ending the Games and to mark the start of a new sporting season in the capital. According to the announcement: “To maintain the momentum generated by hosting the Games, the City of Paris will open its swimming pools for free from 8 am to 6 pm.” That’s as incredible a move as any and just think how many children, and young and older people will join in the fun and imbibe the spirit of the Games.
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Yesterday, the area around the Bercy Arena was more crowded than I’ve ever seen it. True, it was a Sunday, but also it’s like people want to grab onto the last of the Games’ energy, somewhat like we Kolkatans are used to during the last day of the great Kolkata Book Fair! The support for French para-athletes is to be seen to be believed and the Bercy Arena had droves of people pouring in for wheelchair basketball. That’s a lasting legacy of these games – the fan engagement that will drive forward the support for para-sport.
For us in India, the legacy will be generated by the focus that our para-athletes have garnered in the international media, and nationally. Sheetal Devi for instance has captured all hearts. The kind of support she now has goes beyond the tally of medals. It’s pure love and empathy, and that in itself will generate a following for her sport.
What we need in order to sustain this momentum now is to go beyond felicitations and rewards, though these are very important to keep our athletes motivated. But bigger than that, we need to create a larger public culture of support for para-sport. Like Paris opening its pools to the public as part of its legacy project, we need to create a sustained legacy after this superlative performance at the Paris Paralympics.
A culture of viewing para-sport has to be created, incentives given to audiences to visit venues when para-sport is played and for corporates to support and bring para-athletes more into focus.
The creation of stars and role models is a complex process that goes beyond achievements only. It needs a dedicated effort and a team effort – and that’s where the government and corporate sectors have a role to play.
Au revoir, Paris.
Also Read: The plan that became reality – 50 days in Paris for Team RevSportz