Athletes and Abilities IN COOPERATION WITH

RISING UP Para-triathlon and Para-canoe introduced at Rio 2016 Games

SPEAKING UP EU Commissioner Thyssen on actions for social inclusion 2|Tagesspiegel Athletes and Abilities CONTENT

4 | TRIATHLON IS THE FUTURE Triathlon clearly deserves to be part of the

5 | PATHWAYS TO INTEGRATION 16 An interview with European Commissioner Marianne Thyssen, responsible for employment, social affairs, skills and labour mobility Imprint Publishers: Lorenz Maroldt, 7 | AIMING FOR CHANGE 11 | SEE YOU IN TOKYO? Stephan-Andreas Casdorff Zahra Nemati, the first woman Editors: Clara Kaminsky, The International Paralympic Carsten Kloth, Annette Kögel, representing Iran in both Olympics Committee took a stand banning the Karin Preugschat, Claus Vetter and Paralympics hopes the Games entire Russian team from the Rio and Reporters: Gustavo Altman, can influence society’s perception Marc Bädorf, Tillmann Bauer, Pyeongchang Paralympics for Natália Belizario, Thaís Contarin, systematic doping. But what comes Jonathan Fridman, Julian Hilgers, 8 & 9 | RIO IMPRESSIONS next for Russian athletes after the David Hock, Hannah Hofer, A picture can say more than words. Miriam Karout, Lisa Kuner, ban? Hugo L'Abbate, Fernanda Impressions from the Rio 2016 Lagoeiro, Leonardo Levatti, Games and our reporters at work 12 | BEING INSPIRING Guilherme Longo, Milan Marcus, Paralympians are not only admired by Lucy Michaeloudis, Letícia Paiva, Jorge Salhani, João Pedro Soares, 10 | MIXED ZONE spectators and many other athletes, Keri Trigg, Isabella Wimmer and Short but interesting: Veterans at they are also inspired by their own Anne Balzer (PZ Social Media) volleyball - Fill the seats - Nordic heroes Art Directors: Julia Schneider, Sabine Wilms pride - Priceless experience – Altered Production: Detlev Jackschenties, ambassadors 13 | DEBUTANT AT 65 Fritz Schanninger, Marco Schiffner, Does the thrill of winning medals Mike Meadows (corrector) Photographer: Thilo Rückeis keep paralympians young? Brazilian equestrian Vera Lucia Mazzilli is just Athletes and Abilities is a joint one of many successful athletes over project of Tagesspiegel, Berlin and Deutsche Gesetzliche 40 competing at the Rio 2016 Games Unfallversicherung (DGUV).

14 | KICKING OFF INCLUSION The professorship for paralympic Title: German para-triathlete Martin Schulz gets out of the water. sports at German Sport University In the background: Sugarloaf Moun- Cologne initiated by DGUV and tain in Rio de Janeiro, . German NPC is very important, since Photo: Imago/Pressefoto Baumann sports and physical activity are essential parts of rehabilitation

15 | LOOKING AT LEGACY „Performances will act as a catalyst for social change”: Paralympics don’t only promise to be an amazing event but also bring lasting change. But do they really?

16 | KONNICHIWA TOKYO The 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo promises various highlights – like the debut of two rapidly growing sports: badminton and taekwondo. Japan will 12 also make history as the first country to host the Paralympic Games twice,

PHOTOS: Imago, WTF after first hosting in 1964. Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES | 3 EDITORIAL Photo: DGUV

Time does not change us. It just unfolds us. Photo: Rainer Jensen/dpa This beautifully phrased thought by Max Frisch Photo: Kai-Uwe Heinrich can also be applied to the new title of this jour- I commend the Paralympic Post and its energe- nal. In "Athletes and Abilities" we put the spot- Anyone wandering around Rio these days can’t tic global team of young reporters for working light even more on the ability and performance help but notice how powerful the Paralympic to promote the substantial achievements of the of persons with disabilities. At the same time, Games are as a motor for inclusion. The Brazi- Paralympic Movement. the journal continues to be closely linked to the lian spectators, who seemed so sceptical at The Paralympic Movement and the United Nati- Paralympic Games, which it has followed since first, are flocking into the stadiums in thou- ons share fundamental values. We both stand 2004. sands. They are seizing the opportunity to take for equality, dignity, inclusion and respect. From the journal's inception the young edito- their families to the Olympic Park once again – Sport is a wonderful catalyst for inclusion. It rial teams endeavoured to tell stories and de- and cheer on world-class athletes they hadn’t helps to transcend barriers and highlight our pict the backdrop in each case. The topic was even heard of moments before. Leaving the cur- common humanity. not limited to sport, but also included its rele- rent momentum aside, we need to keep in That is why we hold that access to sport, physi- vance to social rehabilitation and inclusion. We mind that inclusion is still not a matter of cal activity and play is a fundamental human remain faithful to this depth of content and will course, but something we can all see as a task right. Sport has a particularly important role to continue to develop it under a bold new ban- to work on together. Sometime it doesn’t take play in promoting and implementing the Con- ner. more than a slight impetus – making the Para- vention on the Rights of Persons with Disabili- The latest edition from Rio brings you critical lympics even more important. Every two years, ties. The Paralympic Movement is a key ally. analyses and exciting interviews on the back- they send out an impulse that resonates much Not only do the Paralympic Games showcase ground to the Games. The journal's familiar further than just at the Games. The spectators the extraordinary abilities and potential of ath- quality remains the same, as does the particu- have seen athletes master various challenges letes living with a disability, they promote the lar perspective of the young journalists respon- with their respective abilities. They have also rights of all persons with disabilities and pro- sible for its content. Enjoy reading it! watched barriers being dismantled, physically vide a catalyst for lasting change. DR JOACHIM BREUER and, almost more importantly, psychologically Paralympic athletes are change makers and Director General and emotionally. This is a valuable develop- role models. They are symbols of courage and German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) ment because inclusion is not yet self-evident aspiration for us all. With Rio de Janeiro hos- in Brazilian society. And if we are honest, inclu- ting the first Paralympic Games to be held in sion is more an objective than a matter of South America, we have a tremendous opportu- course in Europe as well. Our newspaper “Ath- nity to inspire awareness and positive social letes and Abilities” contributes to this change – change around the continent. I count on the Pa- with its passion for sports and the belief in the ralympic Post and the Paralympic Movement to power of sports for rehabilitation and cohe- continue to inspire the world with examples of sion. Even fans might be a little bit surprised: courage and determination that emphasise our On some days the stadiums were even fuller inherent equality. Let us work together for a than a few weeks ago during the Olympics. A just and inclusive world of dignity and opportu- great success for the city of Rio, for sports and, nity forall. most of all, for an inclusive society. BAN KI-MOON LORENZ MAROLDT Secretary-General United Nations Editor-in-Chief Tagesspiegel

Our Team 2016 Paralympic spirit, enthusiasm and excitement in every character – the informative issue of ‘Athletes and Ablities’ you are reading was writ- ten by 22 young talents from Germany, Brazil and Great Britain. They have put their hearts into their articles to bring you gripping news and fascinating background information you can find in the joint newspa- per project by ‘Der Tagesspiegel’ and the German Social Accident In- surance (DGUV). The international team also writes for the German Paralympics Zeitung und the Brazilian Jornal Paralímpico. The young 18 to 23 year old journalists are not only incredibly talented but also a pleasure to work with. They are always happy to write additional arti- cles, translate for their colleagues, watch another event or get an ex- tra quote. If they are not being interviewed themselves, that is. Kee- ping up with their activities and interviews is nearly impossible, the team's WhatsApp group is the best live ticker imaginable - medals, records and results are shared immediately with a complementing snapshot, of course. CLARA KAMINSKY Photo: Thilo Rückeis 4|Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES

ighting the waves, conquering ties compete against each other, the IPC steep mountains by bike and batt- set up a classification system. By the time ling the streets in a run amid one triathlon was included in the paralympic F of the most beautiful landscapes programme for Rio the classification was in the world. This is triathlon – one of the not established. "One of the critical newsportsat the2016Games takingplace aspects of including triathlon in the Para- at the incredible Copacabana in Rio de lympics was the requirement to change Janeiro. Para-canoe will make its debut at the current classification system," says this marvellous venue, being one of two Angstadt Torres from the ITU. It is neces- sports that are part of the paralympic pro- saryforathletestobeable toplantheirtrai- gramme for the first time. ning according to their class in which they Compared to the Olympics, para-triathlon will be competing. is a sprint distance race. It includes a 750 Many experts and volunteers worked hard metre swim, 20 kilometre bike ride and a to provide a solid base for a classification five kilometre run, making it an exciting system. Torres says: "We communicated sporttowatch. TheInternational Triathlon with the IPC and other national federati- Union (ITU) says that the subdisciplines of ons and tried to accommodate in the best triathlon are "three of the most prolific andfastestway."Bymid-2014,theclassifi- and recognisable medal sports in the his- cationsystemfor para-triathlonwasfinali- tory of the Paralympic Games." This is why sed with five classes, PT1 to PT5. the ITU has worked hard since 2008 to in- Of course, a two-year time frame does not cludepara-triathlonintheparalympicpro- provideidealconditionsfor athletestopre- gramme. Demonstrating that triathlon is pare in time. But many of today's elite ath- a thrilling sport that clearly deserves to be letes have already done at least one of the part of the Paralympic Games has not subdisciplines before triathlon became a partoftheparalympicprogramme.Buttri- TRIATHLON IS athlonisnotonlysupposedtobeacompeti- tive sport. It is important to the ITU to pro- NEW AT THE GAMES mote inclusion and establish role models intriathlon.In GreatBritain triathloncom- beenachallenge.Becauseofitsthree sub- petitions are open to people of all abilities, disciplines, it is a great sport for athletes no matter whether they have one arm or with various types of impairments. Athle- leg, two or none at all. Another example is tes like German Stefan Lösler are convin- the "tri for inclusion" race, a public run for ced: "Triathlon is the best sport in the children of all abilities to experience sport world!" And everyone else in the move- together,regardlessoftheirphysicaldiffe- ment is really passionate about it. The rences. Also the American para-triathlon ITU's paratriathlon manager Eric Angst- club "dare2tri" offers free training equip- adt Torres states: "The sport is going to ment to everyone who has an interest in add a tremendous value to the paralympic para-triathlon. Initiatives like this attract movement." newcomers of all abilities to the exciting Yet, in order to become a paralympic Triathlon is sport of triathlon. "We truly believe triath- sport, para-triathlon had to meet the lon is for one and all, no matter the age or threemaincriteria oftheInternational Pa- ability," says Marisol Casado, President of ralympic Committee (IPC): universality, the ITU. quantityand quality.The firsttwo refertoa the future Maybe the champions of para-triathlon’s certain number of regions and nations in debut will be an inspiration for others. which a sport has to be widely practised. "Thereare so many athletes that came be- According to the third criteria of the IPC, Triathlon clearly deserves to be part of fore us, who really paved the way and quality, "parameters and conditions ne- the Games – it is a great sport for made this possible," says Hailey Danise- cessary for success" have to be in place wicz, silver medallist of the women's PT2 andclassificationisoneofthesecriticalpa- athletes with various types of impairment triathlon.And sheis oneof themany athle- rameters. To ensure that competitions tes who are inspired by the diversity of tri-

arefairand onlyathleteswithsimilarabili- Photo: Pilar Olivares/rtr athlon. HANNAH HOFER, 18 YEARS

The goal is not to cheer

When watching sports, Brazilians love those who could not remain silent to pressed their pride in being Brazilian in a to cheer. So watching goalball was leave the stadium. popular chant and celebrated every suc- quite a new experience for them. After understanding the importance of cessful Brazilian action. Inevitably, there Even Tom, the Paralympic Games mas- being quiet while the ball is in play, the was some booing when Argentina won a cot, was welcomed to the Future Arena fans used every interruption of the game free throw, but overall the atmosphere re- with a warm round of applause before to make their voices heard. "Brazil" mained positive throughout the Brazilian Brazil's first goalball match against Swe- chants echoed throughout the stadium victory. den. However, goalball proved to be a whenever a substitution took place, and However, nobody can animate Brazilian challenge for more than 3,000 excited fans as much as swimmer Daniel Dias. Loud - and sometimes too loud. Brazilian fans. To judge the ball's posi- THE REFEREES HAD TO Around 10,000 spectators watched the Brazilian fans (picture above) tion and movement, the athletes with a vi- 200 metre freestyle final in the S5 cate- at the first goalball match of the sual impairment rely on the sound the CALL OFFICIAL BREAKS gory, in which Dias won his 16th paralym- Brazilian team (below). ball makes. Therefore, the audience pic medal. When the 28-year old appea- must remain completely silent while the during the 45-second timeouts Mexican red on the screens, cheers erupted that ball is in play. Patricia Cruz, who like waves went through the arena. After Bra- drowned the announcer's voice. Nobody many spectators watched her first ever zil scored the final goal two seconds be- remained seated as the Aquatics Sta- goalball match, admits this was difficult fore the match ended, the cheering and dium vibrated with every stroke Dias because "we Brazilians like to be loud. clapping continued until the team left the made towards his gold medal. Leaving We don't know the sport very well, so we field. the pool, Dias was met with chants of "we don't know when we are allowed to cheer During the Brazilian women's wheelchair are the champions" by the jubilant crowd. and when not to." basketball match against arch-rival Ar- One thing is clear: no matter which sport, The referees of this particular game had gentina on the other hand, there was not Brazilians love to celebrate.

to call several official breaks, to ask a single moment of silence. The fans ex- MILAN MARCUS, 19 YEARS Photos: Thilo Rückeis, Imago Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES | 5

"Promote pathways to integration" Photo: Stephanie Lecocq/dpa

Do you think Paralympic Games like the London 2012 Marianne Thyssen is the dignity and prosperity. This is also one of the priorities of Paralympics can influence inclusion in Europe? What our European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 and fully in impact do you think we can expect from the Rio 2016 Member of the European line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons Games? with Disabilities. Sports play a crucial role in promoting social inclusion Commission responsible for Our Employment Equality Directive prohibits discrimina- of persons with disabilities. Since 1960, when the first employment, social affairs, tion on the grounds of disability in the fields of employ- Paralympic Games took place, awareness has been in- ment and occupation. It has been transposed by all 28 creasingly raised on disability. Undoubtedly, the Para- skills and labour mobility. Member States into their national law and the Commis- lympics provide athletes with a disability an opportunity sion is strictly monitoring the correctness of national to showcase their talents, raise awareness, challenge She spoke to Athletes and laws and their application. Discrimination in the work commonly-held stereotypes and foster inclusion. At the Abilities about EU actions place is not acceptable. The Commission will continue Rio 2016 Games, there are new sports in the Paralympic to work to ensure the full application of the Employment programme - this proves that Paralympic Games want focusing on social inclusion Equality Directive by Member States. to include more athletes with disabilities from around In that regard, the Commission promotes a partnership the world. Within the EU, too, people become more of people with a disability approach involving all stakeholders. Public authorities aware of the Paralympics as Member States organise can help people gain skills to get jobs and contribute to more national events on sports that include people with growth; companies can commit to diversity and, as a re- disabilities. The London 2012 Paralympics have been a sult of diversity, benefit from enhanced productivity, in- good example because they featured also events for the novation and performance. Trade unions, NGOs and aca- intellectually disabled in selected categories. lity. For instance, the European Social Fund regulation demia can contribute valuable insights and help sprea- In addition, countries having organised the Paralympics places a special emphasis on people with disabilities, ding best practices on diversity and non-discrimination. make a great effort to improve accessibility of their ci- and it promotes pathways to integration and re-entry The Commission is also prioritising the issue of accessi- ties and sport venues. This facilitates interaction bet- into employment of people with disabilities. During the bility, with our proposal for a European Accessibility Act. ween persons with disabilities and those without. At the period 2014-2020, at least 20% of the European Social Accessibility is indispensable for social inclusion, especi- same time, improvements on accessibility help to en- Fund should be allocated to social inclusion. This is a ally against the background of demographic ageing and hance the sustainability of our cities, making them more good example how Member States can better use EU the digital transition. It is expected that in 2020 120 mil- inclusive for older persons. I believe and I hope that the money and become more inclusive. lion Europeans will experience a degree of disability. subsequent countries responsible for the next Olympic Another example is Erasmus+, the EU's programme to This increases the need for accessibility in everyday life. Games will keep the Games in Rio and London as good support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. Via technological innovation many everyday services examples on inclusion, so that in the future even more Erasmus+ 2014-2020 supports sport for people with dis- and products are digitalised. This offers new opportuni- athletes with disabilities can get involved. abilities through incentive measures in the field of dual ties for people with disabilities to participate in society careers for athletes and social inclusion in and through and in the labour market. But the condition is that the How do you see the EU’s performance on a global sport. For example, the Commission has supported the digital products and services are made accessible to all scale in terms of inclusion? What can we learn from European Special Olympics Summer Games in Poland people, regardless of their abilities. We want to endorse other regions or nations in order to become a more in 2010, the World Special in Greece in innovation, but we also want to make sure that no one is inclusive society? 2011, the European Paralympic Youth Games in the left behind. The European Union and the vast majority of its Member Czech Republic in 2012, and most recently, the Special Member States can use the European Structural and In- States are parties to the United Nations Convention on Olympics European Summer Games in Antwerp in 2014. vestment Funds to support the active inclusion of people the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as other The games in Brazil are not over yet. However, the feed- with disabilities in society and the labour market. In par- countries around the world, including Brazil. The Con- back from the games in London was very positive in ticular, many persons with disabilities belong to the vention enables persons with disabilities to participate terms of inclusion, participation and raising awareness group of long-term unemployed persons. I am convin- on an equal basis with others in recreational, leisure about disabilities and sport. I hope that Brazil will set ced that we will see a positive development of the em- and sporting activities. The European Commission's one extra step in that direction. ployment situation of persons with disabilities when overarching objective is upward convergence of Mem- Member States will apply our recently adopted recom- ber States' social policy. This social policy binds society One of your missions is to improve conditions in labour mendation on long term unemployment. together, creating solidarity and a sense of belonging. and equal job opportunities. What are the main pro- There are a number of EU actions focusing on social in- jects directed at people with a disability in this regard? Commissioner Thyssen, thank you for the interview. clusion, particularly in relation to people with a disabi- What are the EU’s next steps? One of the priorities of the European Commission, led by President Juncker, is to strengthen Europe’s competiti- veness and to stimulate investment for the purpose of job creation. We need to create more jobs so that EU citizens, including persons with disabilities, can live with 6|Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES

Written history. Covers of former issues of the Paralymics Zeitung – in Sochi 2014 (centre above) we even had a Russian issue. Photos: PZ

studying medicine or journalism, they are involved in medical technology or with the National Paralympic Committee of Another chapter Germany, DBS. Friendships spanning countries and continents develop in the It felt like the start of something big Young, inclusive sed and enthusiastic coverage is appre- international teams, keeping the spirit in the summer of 2004 when German ciated by their readers. The young journa- alive long after the paralympic flame is President Horst Köhler visited the edi- and international – lists writing for the premier edition were extinguished. Contributing their enri- I torial offices at the German School in Paralympics all young students living in Greece. In ching perspective, reporters with a disabi- Athens. Starting from the premier issue the 2006 an international team reported for lity are members of the editorial teams at in 2004, published in A4 format and distri- Zeitung’s project the multilingual issue. The Paralympics every Games as a matter of course. The buted locally, the Paralympics Zeitung Zeitung Beijing 2008 was the first newspa- inclusiveness of the project on every level (PZ) grew to become the international, per to be published without censorship in is also very important to the co-publisher multilingual, and inclusive project it is China – allowing the team of German and DGUV. today. Chinese reporters to cover the Games The project has been internationally re- The PZ has been writing history in sports and the social change they brought cognised, for example by the "European journalism for more than a decade – about. Language Label 2006" awarded by the thanks to the project’s co-publisher, the Since the London 2012 Games, the PZ EU-Commission and the honour of being German Social Accident Insurance has also been published as a supplement a lighthouse project of the European Year (DGUV). The DGUV has always seen to major newspapers in the host country of Intercultural Dialogue. In 2010 the Pa- para-sports as key to a successful rehabi- of the Games – in addition to the German ralympics Zeitung from Vancouver recei- litation process. Long before the Paralym- edition supplemented to Die Zeit, Han- ved the "World Young Reader Prize" in pics gained today's popularity, the DGUV delsblatt, Potsdamer Neueste Nachrich- the category "Making the News" by the initiated PZ as a youth media project, put- On the spot. Young journalists covering the ten and publisher Tagesspiegel since World Association of Newspapers and ting across the message that paralympi- Beijing 2008 Paralympics. 2008. News Publishers WAN/IFRA. In 2015 the ans are role models and an inspiration to The print issues are complemented by on- PZ received the DBS's honorary award. us all. line coverage and social media. But the best reward are statements from The PZ is a unique project with an excep- The Paralympics Zeitung and its emotio- our young reporters such as: "The pro- tional approach: the articles are written nal sports journalism impact more than ject was the best experience of my life." by young talents whose authentic, unbia- its readers. Former PZ-journalists are ANNETTE KÖGEL, Tagesspiegel

Paralympics – just in a faster medium. Since More articles and videos: May, the six editors have been promoting the Curiosity and flexibility tagesspiegel.de/paralympics project and the Rio 2016 Games online. This and dguv.de/pz task presents diverse challenges. It is not The memories of my time as a youth only auto-correct that drives some members Our Social Media Team journalist for the Paralympics Zeitung to the limits of their patience. What to do reports live from Rio. Vancouver 2010 are still vivid. when the Brazilian SIM cards aren't working Follow us on: And I am not an exception. Nico Feißt was on and the WiFi connection is down? How to stay facebook.com/ParalympicsZeitung twitter.com/parazeitung the London 2012 team as well as in Sochi for up to date and take the time difference into instagram.com/ParalympicsZeitung the 2014 Games and is now spokesperson for account? snapchat.com/add/parazeitung the German athletics team. "Now the Para- Information has to be adjusted for various lympics have become part of me," he says. channels; film material must be produced The Paralympics Zeitung project 2016 is, once and cut. And how to cope with bad weather again, a chance for 22 young people to experi- which makes filming impossible? Maybe just ence what it means to be a journalist. A journa- follow the advice of our hostel manager: "No list needs curiosity, flexibility and something sun? No work!" This is, of course, never an to write about. This holds even more true for Photos: Thilo Rückeis option. social media editors who are included in this From Vancouver to Rio: Anne Balzer has And, when the last post is out, there is only year's team for the first time. They are former worked for the PZ since 2010. one thing to do: charge the mobile and be print editors who are still part of the Paralym- ready for the next day. pics Zeitung family and still reporting on the ANNE BALZER, Social Media Editor Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES | 7 Aiming for change Zahra Nemati, the first woman representing Iran in both Olympics and Paralympics hopes the Games will influence society’s perception

he famous Sambodromo in Rio de chery, as she told the IPC: “I love this Janeiro at midday. The sun is bea- sport and it gives me inspiration." ting down on the home of the Bra- She won a gold medal at the London 2012 T zilian carnival parade, the place Paralympic Games and became the first is almost unrecognisable. The sounds of woman from the Islamic Republic of Iran celebration are gone, what is left is con- to win a gold medal at a Paralympic or centrated silence. The asphalt is covered Olympic Games. Finally, she still made it by artificial lawn. Targets are neatly ar- to the Olympic Games in in 2016, where ranged in a row at the end of the field. she was flagbearer for the Iranian delega- A women wearing a red shirt and a white tion in Rio’s famous Maracanã stadium. headscarf with a white cap on top of it is Nemati is the first woman from the Isla- in the middle of the field. She is sitting in mic Republic of Iran to compete in both a wheelchair and has 'Iran' written on the Paralympic and Olympic Games. After back of her shirt. She lifts her bow, nocks qualifying for the Olympic Games 2016, an arrow, aims at the target and shoots. she decided to tell her story to the world. The arrow hits its mark. Her life is subject of a documentary film The woman’s chubby face shows a tinge coming up in October 2016. The Interna- of contentment underneath her glasses tional Paralympic Committee and Japa- nese pay-tv broadcaster WOWOW are pro- “I LOVE THIS SPORT ducing a documentary series about Para- lympians worldwide, including Nemati. AND IT GIVES ME She is not only a role model for people with a disability, conveying the message INSPIRATION“ that everything is possible. She is also a symbol of empowerment for women in

as she drives her wheelchair back to the countries like Iran. Therefore, she was ap- Photos: Kai Pfaffenbach/rtr, Leonhard Foeger/rtr tent. Someone hands her an ice-cream, pointed United Nations Ambassador for she has a relaxed chat and laughs. Not- her role in empowering women through Good run. hing indicates that she is in the middle of sport. According to her, inclusion and Zahra Nemati of Iran a competition - and not just any competi- sports are closely linked. As she said to a leads her country's team into tion. Zahra Nemati, one of the best para- United Nation panel, she thinks that the stadium (above). lympic archers in the world, is competing sports do not only encourage athletes Nemati during in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. with a disability, but also impact society's competition. 18 year-old Nemati was training for the perception of people with a disability: Olympics. She wanted to compete in tae- “From one side, it changes people’s per- kwondo. She was quick to win her black ceptions and from the other side, it belt and make the Iranian national team. changes a disabled person’s view to- In 2015, an accident which left her unable wards themselves." to move both her legs , changed her MIRIAM KAROUT, 21 YEARS goals. She decided to participate in ar- and ISABELLA WIMMER, 21 YEARS

Alex Zanardi - a role model in the sporting world

Alex Zanardi, like many other athletes of over 300 kilometers per hour. Zanardi a handcycle. From that point, he began di- who are competing in Rio 2016, didn’t was sent to the BG Clinic Berlin-Marzahn viding his time between auto racing and let the adversities limit his life and be- (UKB), one of the clinics belonging to the hand-cycling. came a role model in the sporting Hospital Group of the Statutory Accident One of his most memorable moments in world. Now, Zanardi competes at his se- Insurance where he underwent surgery cycling occured at London 2012. With the cond Paralympic Games to defend his after losing 75 percent of his blood and road cycling taking place at the iconic cir- title even greater motivation now: to had both legs amputated. It took him six cuit of Brands Hatch, Zanardi won three race on the 15th anniversary of his acci- weeks to get out of the hospital, after a medals; two golds and a silver. His victo-

dent. Photo: Leon Neal/AFP successful rehabilitation process. Only ries were voted the most outstanding mo- As a teenager, Zanardi saw a friend wor- Fast. Zanardi heading towards victory in two years later, in 2003, he realised that ments of the games. “Looking back at king on a kart and became interested in the time trial cycling finals in London 2012. his auto racing career wasn’t over and these 15 years, I have to say that my acci- the sport. With the consent of his pa- with the help of hand-controled accelera- dent has become one of the greatest op- rents, he began his motor racing career tors and brakes, he became a driver in portunities of my life,“ said the cyclist in with a racing kart that he built himself. But on September 15, 2001, Zanardi’s life the European Touring Car Championship. an interview for the YouTube Channel of The peak of his racing career was in the changed. It was the American Memorial In five years, he won four races. And in the International Paralympic Committee. 90s. In 1991, he made his debut in Formula race, held at Euro Speedway Lausitz, in the meantime, his interest for hand-cyc- Now, Zanardi’s focus is on his competiti- 1, where he raced until the 1994 season. Klettwitz, Germany. On lap 142, when exi- ling developed. ons in Rio de Janeiro. And he comes try- Until2001,hekeptswitchingbetween For- ting the pit lane, Zanardi lost control of With his physical fitness and only four ing to achieve what he couldn’t do while mula 1 and the CART series, where he be- his car, spun and stopped on his side. He weeks of training, Zanardi finished fourth racing in kart: winning in Brazil. came a two-time Champion in 97 and 98. got hit by Alex Tagliani, who had a speed in the 2007 New York City Marathon, with GUILHERME LONGO, 23 YEARS 8|Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES Games to remember From the Opening Ceremony into the Games: Our young reporters had some great experiences at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. For sure, none of them will forget those thrilling days in Brazil, where they reported on great sports in a fantastic atmosphere

Alyad Norbruism, Dutch gold medalist in Cycling Track. PHOTOS: Ueslei Marcelino/rtr, Antonio Lacerda/dpa, Thilo Rückeis (7), Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP, Jens Büttner/dpa, Christophe Simon/AFP The Team of young Ger- man, British and Brazilian "Action at the beach," like stand up paddling was also shown at the Ceremony. reporters at the Opening Ceremony in Maracanã.

India's Mariyappan Thangavelu jumps in the high jump final. Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES |9

Yes, it’s real gold. Vanessa Low celebrates after winning .

nforgettable! An exclamation repeated by many spectators when asked what they thought about the Opening Ceremony of the U Rio 2016 Paralympics .The show balanced pa- ralympic spirit, inclusion and hope. More than 70,000 people created amagical atmosphere in the Maracanã stadium. Brazilian culture, dance and music were showcased by performers with and without adisability. Nonetheless, there was also space for the audience to express political protests against Michel Temer, Bra- zil's new president who declared the Paralympic Ga- mes open. The emotional climax was reached when the torch bearer and former athlete Márcia Malsar fell, halfway before handing over the paralympic flame to the second-to-last torch bearer. The whole stadium rose from their seats when she stood back up to finish the last few steps, supported by ear-piercing roars and clapping."These are God's tears. He is thrilled." That is Márcia Malsar's explanation about the heavy rain du- ring the Ceremony. Her torch relay and the reaction of the crowd when she continued her walk was really an unforgettable moment. LEONARDO LEVATTI, 22 YEARS and GUSTAVO ALTMAN, 18 YEARS Having fun -Japanese fans in Rio.

Samuel Asiedu Poku from the social media team concentrating on filming the reporters at work.

Australian Brayden Davidson in front of the records panel after breaking the long jump record. 10 | Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES MIXED ZONE

Veterans at Altered volleyball ambassadors When asked about the German sitting volleyball The fashion magazine Vogue Brazil launched a team’s chance of qualifying for the Rio 2016 Pa- campaign for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

ralympic Games, attacker Lukas Schiwy answe- Cairnduff/rtr which resulted in ahuge public debate. The ad- red: “Our chances are quite good, but as we are vertising piece, created by PR agency Africa, fea- playing against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the quali- Jason tured photos of the paralympic ambassadors fier, second place would probably be the best which were digitally altered. Cleo Pires and Photo: result.” Paulo Vilhena, who are actors and models, are At the past four Paralympics Bosnia-Herzego- #FillTheSeats shown without an arm and with aprosthetic leg vina won two gold and two silver medals. During respectively. They took the lead in acampaign the 2014 Volleyball World Cup the Bosnians Ten thousand seats are being filled withjoy and promoting the biggest sports event for people only lost asingle set. It’s the only sport in which inspiration at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. with adisability -which they are not. Critics ar- the country has won olympic and paralympic The #FillTheSeats fundraising campaign provi- medals. des Brazilian kids with the opportunity to witness This fact explains why the Bosnian players are the Games at the actual venues. Besides contribu- celebrated heroes in their country. But there is ting to ticket purchasing, the remainder of the another very important reason. Many of the play- #FillTheSeats donations are going to be directed ers were left with adisability after the Bosnian to initiatives for people with adisability in Brazil. war ended in 1996. The volleyball team captain The campaign was created by Greg Nugent, for- Sabahudin Delalic (42) lost his left leg in combat mer brand, marketing and culture director at for Bosnia at the age of 19. The sport keeps the London 2012. He originally expected to raise 15,000 dollars. This number was exceeded by more than 300,000 dollars. JORGE SALHANI, 22 YEARS Brasil

Nordic pride Vogue The flag of the Faroe Islands flies at the Aqua- tics Centre in the Olympic Park in Rio. This me- Instagram ans that, in contrast to the Olympic Games, the Nordic country is officially represented at the Paralympics. At the Olympics Faroese swim- Screenshot: mer Pál Joensen competed for Denmark. At the gued that the images are not representative. Paralympics swimmer Krista Mørkøre is able to Vogue Brazil chose to edit Cleo and Paulo with represent her home country. the bodies of paralympic athletes: table tennis Kurth "The Faroes were present when the IPC was player Bruna Alexandre and sitting volleyball founded and since then we've been members. player Renato Leite, instead of showing the ath- The IOC, on the other hand, won't recognise us letes themselves. In answer to the criticism,

Imago/Conny as asovereign country, hence our absence," ex- Cleo Pires said that they had just lent their plains Tróndur Ravnsfjall, Chef de Mission. images to give the movement visibility. Photo: HUGO L'ABBATE, 22 YEARS Marinalva de Almeida, aBrazilian paralympic former fighters fit and boosts their self-esteem. sailor, said: “Brazil does not need Photoshop to Being asoldier, Delalic also understands how represent our disabilities since we already important the success of the volleyball team is know they are everywhere.” She thinks that the for national pride. “We owe our people alot, campaign should have featured athletes with their support motivates us alot. In Beijing we their beauty and strength, showing that any- won the silver medal, and they considered it a Priceless experience thing is possible for people with adisability. failure. They are expecting gold and nothing On the other hand, the campaign also received In preparation for the Games 15,000 volunteers less.” praise on social networks and was endorsed by received online training regarding medical in- Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina’s greatest opponent the Brazilian Paralympic Committee. struction as well as an English language and held responsible for the disappointing re- NATÁLIA BELIZARIO, 20 YEARS course. All volunteers have to cover their own sult, is first in the world rankings for sitting vol- expenses, such as airplane ticket and accommo- leyball. Since 1988, when Iran competed at the dation, but their experience and the legacy are Paralympics for the first time, they have nearly priceless. “It is so rewarding to give back to the More articles and videos: been undefeated. Only twice has Iran lost the public and help the press,” says avolunteer. tagesspiegel.de/paralympics gold medal to another team: Bosnia-Herzego- FERNANDA LAGOEIRO, 22 YEARS and dguv.de/pz vina in 2004 and 2012. In the 2014 World Cup, Iran was defeated in the semifinals, while Bos- Our Social Media Team nia-Herzegovina won the tournament. reports live from Rio. JOÃO SOARES, 22 YEARS and Follow us on: MIRIAM KAROUT, 21 YEARS facebook.com/ParalympicsZeitung twitter.com/parazeitung instagram.com/ParalympicsZeitung snapchat.com/add/parazeitung Rückeis Thilo Photo: Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES |11

nthe dark, asingle man is standing outside the Maracanã stadium in Rio. His face is painted red, white and See you in four years? I blue; aRussian flag protects his body against the evening cold. He has just left the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Para- The IPC took astand banning the entire lympics -the first Games in his lifetime at which he doesn’t have acountry to cheer Russian team from the Rio and Pyeongchang for. Paralympics for systematic doping Of course he could have stayed home and watched the alternative Paralympics that Russia is celebrating, in defiance of the IPC's ruling to exclude Russian athletes. But perhaps he would have found the thrill of sports to be rather dampened by the absence of international competition. Just two years ago he would have been in Russia, cheering his home nation to the top of the medal table at the Sochi Winter Games. But behind the glory was the big- gest systematic doping cover-up in the history of paralympic sport. The McLaren Report found the Russian government to have been actively involved in masking the urine test results of over 30 athletes at the Sochi Games, amid afour-year state-run doping programme. “WE HAVE GREAT SYMPATHY FOR THE ATHLETES WHO WILL NOW MISS THE GAMES”

The revelation led to the IOC banning all Russian athletics and weightlifting com- petitors from the Rio Games, as well as AFP

banning selected athletes from seven ot- Photo: her sports. In contrast, the IPC decided to An analyst in the anti-doping labora- issue afull ban to the Russian team –ex- tory (above). Amember of the Byelorus- tending to the 2018 Winter Games in Pye- rest of clean athletes and the clean sport Craig Spence added: “We have great sym- sian team carries aRussian flag du- ring the Opening Ceremony protesting ongchang. movement,” said Maggie Durand, commu- pathy for the athletes who will now miss against the Russian ban (below). “The IPC’s decision underlines our nications co-ordinator at WADA. the Games, but we hope the lasting le- strong belief that doping has absolutely But not everyone agrees that the full gacy of our decision is that the state-spon- no place in paralympic sport, and further ban was necessary, with President Pu- sored doping system existing in Russian improves our ability to ensure fair compe- tin branding it “outside the bounds of sport, and extending to Russian paralym- tition and alevel playing field for all law, morality and humanity.” pic sport, stops. para-athletes around the world,” said And while this is no doubt adevastating “We look forward to the day when we can Craig Spence, the IPC’s director of media decision for athletes who were not impli- welcome back the Russian Paralympic and communications. cated in the doping, the IPC hopes this Committee and Russian athletes to com- The World Anti-Doping Agency agrees will have apositive impact on sport in pete on the world stage.” Pitalev/dpa with the IPC’s no-tolerance stance. the long term, ensuring the integrity LUCY MICHAELOUDIS, 21 YEARS, “WADA supports the decision taken by and credibility of paralympic sport in KERI TRIGG, 21 YEARS, and Iliya JONATHAN FRIDMAN, 18 YEARS

the IPC, which we believe is in the inte- the future. Photo: Independent athletes

Two refugees were the first athletes to ming teacher; the house was located ver thought Icould make it to the Para- enter the Maracanã stadium at the right next to the Euphrates River. Drea- lympics. It was really huge for me be- Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics. ming of competing at the Olympic Ga- cause Ididn’t have much training and I On possibly the most important day of his mes, Al Hussein trained in the river ne- was focusing on other things: paperwork life, Ibrahim Al Hussein wears awhite arly every day. and getting the U.S. citizenship -itwas shirt, black trousers and red shoes. In his This dream was shattered in 2011 when not easy.” right hand he carries the paralympic flag, abomb hit him during the ongoing war Nasajpour and Al Hussein are the only swirling it, surrounded by the intense in Syria. He lost his right foot and athletes not representing their home noise of thousands of people clapping shank. Soon after, he was granted asy- country, but rather millions of people and screaming at the Opening Ceremony lum in Greece. There, after working 12 worldwide. of the Paralympic Games in Rio. hours aday, he would practise in the “It’s not good that you don’t have acoun- Al Hussein is the first athlete to enter the pool. “The pool is like home for me,” he try to represent, but Iamthankful and I Maracanã stadium on this day as part of said. Now he swims the 50 metre free- hope other athletes, refugees like me, the Independent Paralympic Athletes style faster than before losing his leg. will be able to make it as well,” Al Hus- Team. Next to him walks his teammate The other refugee on the team is the Ira- sein said. Sayão/dpa Shahrad Nasajpour. “This is one of the nian Shahrad Nasajpour. He competes in Having arefugee team in Rio is surely most beautiful moments of my life. Istill discus throw and is very close-lipped re- wonderful. But it would be even more Marcelo cannot believe that IaminRio,” the garding his personal story. wonderful to have no refugee team in To-

Photo: 27-year-old Al Hussein said after the Ope- “I didn’t achieve what Iwas hoping for,” kyo 2020 –ifthe war ended and people Paralympic athlete Ibrahim Al Hussein ning Ceremony. he said after finishing his first competi- did not have to flee their home. during the Opening Ceremony. Al Hussein was born in Deir ez-Zor, a tion at the Paralympics. “But now Iknow I MIRIAM KAROUT, 21 YEARS, town in East Syria. His father is aswim- need to work harder, much harder. Ine- and MARC BÄDORF, 21 YEARS 12 | Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES

Being inspiring Paralympians are not only admired by spectatorsand other athletes, theyare also inspired by their own heroes

twas 2007, five days since David swimmer Erin Popovich. "I remember Behre had lost both legs after atrain being alittle girl and having heroes like accident. He was lying in aGerman Erin Popovich, who was and still is apara- I hospital bed, depressed and sad, the lympic athlete," she says. Now she tries morphine barely moderating his pain, to be arole model for young kids herself: when he saw on TV. A "Winning gold medals is incredible and man with two prostheses, muscular obviously it's what Iwant to do, but thighs and arms, dressed in green and there's something so special about ha- yellow. Aman who looked like Behre. ving alittle girl who has just lost her leg Aman, who was fast, faster than nearly from cancer come up and tell me I'm her hero." BEING TOLD YOUARE Or Heinrich Popow -the German athlete travels around the world to show young SOMEONE’S HERO amputees how to handle aprosthesis, how to jump with it, how to sprint with it. IS SOMETHING "The project is everything for me. Ican help, the people help me," he says. VERYSPECIAL Sometimes paralympic athletes are even role models for other great sportsmen. every man in the world. Behre told the After David Weir, aBritish paralympian, doctors that he wanted to do the same. won gold in London 2012, Usain Bolt twee- This is one typical example how paralym- ted: "Simply inspiring." pic athletes are even more than role mo- David Behre made his dream come true. dels for other people. They inspire Today he is one of the fastest men in the

Sports people, they give them the strength to whole wide world. In 2015 he won the live their life to the fullest –even if the World Cup in Dubai in the 400 metre autiful situation may be difficult. They show that sprint. almost nothing is impossible. After the race he told the reporters:

Imago/Be There are many other examples of para- "I don't know if Oscar is happy that Itook lympic role models. Stefanie Long, a away his record. But Ibelieve that he is Photo: Giving up has never been an option. David Behre from Germany at swimmer who won 12 paralympic gold happy seeing me winning the 400 metre the 2016 Paralympic Games in the Estádio Olímpico in Rio de Janeiro. medals was inspired by US paralympic medal." MARC BÄDORF, 21 YEARS Inclusion in the mixed zone

Aphotographer with avisual impair- João Maia da Silva is big events he tries to create unconventio- ment shows that everything is possible. aphotographer with nal views. "In London Istayed away from João enters the press area of the Aqua- avisual impairment the centre in order to feel the city. Ico- who covers tics Stadium in Olympic Park. Avolunteer vered sports like rugby and fencing, supports him until he meets two other after competing as an which don't get much attention in Brazil. colleagues. He sits down and adjusts his athlete himself. I'm not worried about medal ceremonies. camera equipment with their support. With my knowledge about the modalities, Now he is ready to work. João Maia (41) is Icapture new angles," states Wang. aphotographer with avisual impairment Having taken part in three Paralympics who covers paralympic sports. as an athlete before starting to report on Since he was 28 years old, João has had them, Vitão has always wanted to experi- bilateral uveitis, an intraocular inflamma- ence the Games in his country. Now he tion. It's not possible to precisely define Rückeis feels ashamed. how much his vision is affected. As he Thilo "I haven't even returned to the Olympic can recognise colours, Maia has spatial Stadium because it was adisaster when I Photo: notion, but the world isn't clearly focused went there for the test event in May. The in his eyes. "I see life as awatercolour course created by Professor João ling of happiness is enormous. I've felt it photo positions aren't prepared for painting. With my shots I'm composing Kulcsár, he improved his photographic myself," he explains. people in awheelchair at all. Besides it," he says. skills. That was when he realised there Agreat motivator for Maia is Vitão Wang that, it took eight minutes to get on the Until last year, he used to practise shot were no limits for what he is able to do. (47), aphotographer who uses awheel- bus with the lifter. While the driver hel- put in the category F12, in which athletes "I don't need to have perfect vision to pho- chair. The Rio 2016 Games are the third ped me, the passengers asked him to with avisual impairment compete. After tograph. Ijust have to feel it. As an ex-ath- Paralympics he is covering. Just like hurry up. Nevertheless, I'm happy to be asurgery to remove three herniated lete Iknow the moves they have to do, Maia,heparticipated in sports before dis- doing what Ilove," he says. disks, he decided to cover the competiti- just like the facial expressions. If so- covering theworld of photography. He JOÃO SOARES, 22 YEARS ons instead of taking part in them. In a meone is crossing the finish line, the fee- has been in awheelchair for 30 years. At and LISA KUNER, 21 YEARS Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES |13

tion's Games at the age of 65. The eque- Brazil's Vera Lucia Mazzilli smiles strian star is also Brazil's oldest competi- at her coaches during adressage tor. team test in the Paralympic Games Eduardo Carmona, aphysical education in Rio de Janeiro. professor and specialist in adapted sports, says that alack of opportunities for paralympic athletes in some countries is one reason why so many don't get into professional sport until much later in life than their able-bodied counterparts. "Most athletes just get to know sports through associations, and it generally hap- THEY ARE JUST GREAT FUN TO COMPETE IN

pens while they are teenagers or adults," he says. "Besides that, few places work with adapted sports. Therefore, taking part in these sports is still aprivilege and, because of that, the number of people competing is lower than in conventional sports." Chiba/AFP He also explains why more older athletes opt for sports that are less energetic, say-

Yasuyoshi ing: "It's more difficult to compete in sports that require alot of movement and Photo: dynamism. That's why we can see older people competing in sports that require low levels of energy -like shooting, for example." Debutant at 65 Despite this trend, sailing has the highest proportion of athletes over 40 at the Rio Paralympics, at 58 percent. Other physi- Does the thrill of win- sthey approach the end of their ter competing internationally in swim- cally demanding sports like cycling and thirties, many athletes have al- ming and athletics in her younger years. triathlon also have ahigh turnout of older ning medals keep ready bowed out of professional Representing Great Britain, John Cava- competitors. A sports. Only ahandful of Olym- nagh is showing no signs of hanging up German cyclist Hans-Peter Durst, 58, paralympians young? pians at the Rio Games had seen their his bow just yet. Having competed in ar- says the key is to strike abalance bet- Brazilian equestrian 40th birthday, with most sports having no chery at every Summer Paralympics ween meeting the high physical and men- over-40s competing at all. since 2000, the 60-year-old puts his conti- tal demands of his sport. As the reigning nued success down to the thrill of compe- world champion, he has set his sights on Vera Lucia Mazzilli is In the Paralympics, however, all sports ex- tition -and who has time to get old when apodium finish despite being one of the cept seven-a-side football have at least just one of many there are medals to be won? oldest cyclists. one, with some of the highest numbers in "It feels like it was only yesterday when I "Cycling demands ahigh level of physical shooting (51 percent), archery (42 per- successful athletes competed in my first Games in ," condition and power," he explains. "But in over 40 competing at cent) and equestrian sports (37 percent). he says. "Each Games has its own unique addition there is, especially in tricycling, a Australian shooter is the flavour and they continue to improve in need for technical experience and the the Rio 2016 Games oldest and most experienced paralympian quality. Overall they are just great fun to right mentality. My dream is, of course, a at Rio, competing in her 12th Games at compete in." medal, but the others have also trained the age of 74. Another athlete still going strong into reti- well -and most of them are younger than Kosmala has been aforce to be reckoned rement age is Vera Lucia Mazzilli, making me!" KERI TRIGG, 21 YEARS, and with in the sport for over four decades, af- her Paralympics debut at her home na- THAÍS CONTARIN, 22 YEARS

Rio." Robin Mallick hopes the 'Internatio- Accessibility and culture nal Week of Accessibility and Culture' will have alegacy of its own and that using visual arts to begin apolitical de- on the Boulevard bate will ensure that the spirit of the para- lympic movement isn't extinguished In acountry known as much for its car- to begin conversations about accessibi- along with the flame at the Closing Cere- nival spirit as for its love of football the lity and put inclusion firmly on the politi- mony.

Paralympic Games would not be com- cal agenda both in Brazil and internatio- Hoslet/dpa "Culture is about the overall perception plete without acultural program to nally. The Goethe Institute in Rio laun- within asociety. The Paralympic Games

round off the sport. ched the first 'International Week of Ac- Olivier are ahuge opportunity, maybe the most Seven months after carnival season the cessibility and Culture' and kicked off the important opportunity of the century in Photo: streets have come alive once again in Rio event with ascreening of the documen- Posing for selfies –infront of one of the five Brazil to raise awareness regarding inclu- with aseries of events and performances tary ’GOLD -you can do more than you giant faces by Brazilian graffiti artist sion. organised by the Rio 2016 Organising think', which follows the stories of three Eduardo Kobra on the Olympic Boulevard. "But more importantly the question is Committee and Rio's City Hall. There was paralympic athletes: Kirsten Bruhn, Kurt how to sustain awareness and action af- the news of scaling back the Paralympic Fearnley and Henry Wanyoike. ter the Paralympic Games. In our joint Games due to lack of funds. But at atime From Germany, and Kenya re- Director of Rio's Goethe Institute Robin challenge to keep the spirit alive, inclusi- when interim president Michel Temer spectively the film offers adiverse look at Mallick has embraced the city's commit- veness in combination with diversity is had suggested merging the Ministry of athletes' journeys as they prepared for ment to regeneration as part of the le- not always something to proclaim at the Culture with the Ministry of Education, the London 2012 Games. The week promi- gacy of the Games. "When discussing the opening and closing of the Paralympics, the cultural offerings during the Games ses avaried programme of discussions success or failures of the Paralympic Ga- but is something really important." show Brazil's diverse heritage would not and performances in the Biblioteca Par- mes in Rio this [the Olympic Boulevard] is Only time will tell if the impact of the first be undermined by politics and lack of fi- que Estaduals and the Biblioteca Parque the important thing, there has been alot 'International Week of Accessibility and nance. Indeed, some have seized the Pa- Manguinhos in Rio's newly developed of criticism that is justified, but if you look Culture' will last longer than seven days. ralympic Games as aprime opportunity Olympic Boulevard in the city's port area. at that space it is the revitalisation of LUCY MICHAELOUDIS, 21 YEARS 14 | Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES Kicking off inclusion

Professorship for paralympic sports at German Sport University Cologne initiated by DGUV and German NPC

ars Hoffmann’s heart rate increa- sedsteadily as he lay in the hand- cycle ergometer. When it rea- L ched the peak, Professor Abel analysed the data and was pleased with the results: “You can’t compare these en- durance performances to the results in DSHS

regular cycling. Handcycling is an exer- eller, tion solely of the arms. Therefore, we nZ need this specific research in paralympic sports in order to adapt professional trai- Sebastia ning and diagnostics for para-athletes.” Photo: In 2015 Hoffmann ranked amongst Eu- Handbiker Lars Hoffmann during adiagnostic investigation with Professor Abel, German Sport University Cologne. rope’s top handcyclists, yet failed to qua- lify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. The German Sport University Cologne So if inclusive PE lessons are an integral physical fitness for people with adisabi- tation and aparalysed arm. “Obviously I (GSU) is dedicated to all aspects of part of our curriculum, this has atremen- lity, but it also boosts self-confidence and can’t do ahandstand with only one arm. sports. Through Abel’s professorship the dous domino effect regarding inclusion in encourages interpersonal exchange. Instead of passing agymnastics course, I university gains an additional field of ex- schools,” said Abel. And this reflects one Abel’s research also contributes to an im- had to write apaper about it. Honestly, I pertise specifically focusing on paralym- of the German Social Accident Insu- proved rehabilitation process in hospitals would have preferred to take agymnas- pic physiology and performance. and clinics by adjusting sports therapies tics examination,” he said. Abel and Basically, Abel examines the effects of “SPORTS AND PHY- to meet the specific needs of people with Raabe-Oetker developed an evaluation physical activity on the human body. Ger- adisability. and examination system that offers stu- man paralympians, such as the men’s SICAL ACTIVITY ARE AN Another step towards inclusion in sports dentsand applicants with adisability ale- wheelchair basketball team, have al- ESSENTIAL PART OF is the fact that students with adisability velplaying field. ready benefited from his adapted diagnos- can take up studies at the Sport Univer- Professor Abel also supports inclusive tics techniques for their preparation for REHABILITATION” sity. Together with his colleague Anke sports education at an international le- the Paralympics. Raabe-Oetker, Abel set up arating sys- vel, such as the German-Brazilian PUL- Not only elite athletes benefit from the pa- rance’s (DGUV) core values to promote tem for the physical entry test. This is a SAR project which educates instructors ralympic professorship. Future physical and foster inclusion. “Sports and physical challenging physical test that average in teaching andtraining people with adis- education teachers who study at GSU re- activities are an essential part of the reha- athletes struggle to pass and more than ability. “I believeitismyduty to support ceive hands-on training to teach joint phy- bilitation process after accidents,” explai- 50% of the applicants fail each year. They such initiatives. In this regard, Isee the sical education classes for students with ned Joachim Breuer, Director General of have to pass the test in at least 18 of 19 German Sport University setting an exam- and without adisability. “Many PE te- the DGUV. different disciplines. Veit Schopper made ple for inclusion in sports education.” achers in Germany are GSU graduates. Practising sports not only contributes to it –regardless of his unilateral leg ampu- MIRIAM KAROUT, 21 YEARS Rediscovering his passion

Playing for the German national team thing he needed for asuccessful rehabili- accident, he came across the website of was adream Bastian Pusch had given tation process under one roof. During his the German amputee football associa- up on after he lost one of his legs -but rehabilitation he tried afew team sports tion. then he discovered amputee football. such as wheelchair basketball and ten- The sport is played by people with similar “I never thought we would last 20 years,” nis. But football had always been Pusch’s impairments using crutches which make smiles Pusch, remembering the first passion. “I grew up on the football field,” them more flexible than when using pro- time he met Peter Dorn from the German says the 38-year old. Training five days a stheses. He left acomment on the web- Social Accident Insurance institution for week and games on the weekend were site and acouple of weeks later he was local authorities in the Braunschweig re- his life. His football training and physical invited to atraining session. From that fitnessalso helped him during his rehabi- day on, he has been strongly involved in gion (BS GUV). Peter Dorn visited Bastian litation process. He knew howmuch im- his new passion, he even became one of Pusch, who was 18 at the time, in the hos- pact muscle training can have and how the coordinators of the association. Since pital after he had lost his leg in acar acci- quickly progress can be achieved. This 2013 he has been part of Germany’s natio- dent on his way to vocational school. Like Milbrandt motivated him to keep on working and nal team. Wearing your country’s jersey, all students and employees in Germany, training towards the next positive re- scoring the crucial goal and having the Pusch is automatically insured through sults. Pusch was quickly able to resume Christian crowd cheering for you, what else could the German Social Accident Insurance. his vocational training and take on the job you ask for? Bastian Pusch from Könings- Photo: Right from the start, Peter Dorn explai- at the bank he was offered afterwards. Football had always been Bastian Pusch’s lutter is one of the lucky ones. Pusch’s ned what support he was entitled to. For the next few years his physical activi- (r) passion. 17 years after his accident, he vision for the future is to establish apro- Pusch’s rehabilitation process began in ties were limited to cycling and workouts came to amputee football. per amputee football division in Ger- the BG Clinic Hamburg (BUK Hamburg), at the gym. The only place where he was many. There is still along way to go, but one of the clinics belonging to the Hospi- able to act out his love for football was as until then he just feels thankful to be tal Group of the Statutory Accident Insu- afan in the stadium of his favourite foot- back on the field. rance. The BUK Hamburg provided every- ball club. But in 2013, 17 years after his ISABELLA WIMMER, 21 YEARS Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES |15

frastructure coupled with changing attitu- Training Centre, providing top class trai- des towards amore inclusive society ning facilities for Brazil’s athletes in the have the potential to leave apowerful and future, meaning they can build on their enduring legacy on the streets of Rio and success in their home Games. beyond. Apart from offering facilities to However, the build-up to the Games has world-class athletes, Rio’s inhabitants been tumultuous with the president awai- will have the chance to swim, cycle and ting an impeachment trial, the outbreak sail when the Deodoro Olympic Park is of Zika virus and accusations of misspen- transformed into X–park and the canoe ding all threatening to overshadow the and BMX venues will offer recreationalfa- competition. With this going on in the cilities in an area previously underserved. background, it may difficult to view aposi- But before the Games are over, specta- tive lasting legacy for Rio and indeed Bra- tors have the chance to learn new skills zil, but this would be short-sighted. The at the Barra Olympic Park where visitors Olympic Games held earlier in August have the chance to try out goalball and were successful and allowed sport to sitting volleyball for themselves. Whet- take centre stage. The Paralympic Ga- her you’re differently abled or not, these mes have followed suit, proving once sports are accessible to all once you again that sport has the power to inspire know the rules! It’s these kinds of events ageneration. where fans watch their differences fade Sir Philip Craven, IPC President speaking away as they engage in anew sport that ahead of the Games was optimistic: “I be- has the potential to pave the way for inte- lieve the performances of the para-athle- gration. tes will act as acatalyst for social While it may be too early to measure the exact legacy of the Rio Games, it has “PERFORMANCESWILL been four years since London and anew generation of athletes competed in their ACTASACATALYST first Paralympic Games. The Organising Committee for the Lon- FOR SOCIAL CHANGE” don Games wanted to bring the Games ex- perience to young athletes and thus deve- change. The Paralympics have astrong loped the Paralympic Inspiration pro- track record for changing global attitu- gramme. Chef de Mission at Paralympics des towards people with an impairment, GB Penny Briscoe explains: and are now widely regarded as the “The Paralympic Inspiration Programme world’s number one sporting event for is aimed at providing aspiring paralympi- Rückeis driving positive societal change and so- ans with ataste of the Games environ- Thilo cial inclusion. ment, everything from village life to see-

Photo: “The opportunity we have here to make ing sports competition. The wheelchair-accessible buses will be used for public transport after the Games. Rio, Brazil, Latin America and the world a more equitable place for all does not come around very often, so we have to grab it with both hands.” The wheels are already in motion in Rio Alook at legacy: so what can Cariocas expect in the long run? The metro system has been exten- ded; metro line 4will connect the nort- Rückeis hern and southern areas of Rio with Barra da Tijuca, where most of the spor- Thilo ting venues are located. This will help the London to Rio Photo: immediate running of the Games, redu- Kids testing goalball at the Olympic Park cing congestion on the roads by providing during the Rio 2016 Paralympics. Paralympics don’tonly hile many of us will only ever aquick alternative for spectators but is be spectators, tuning in at also along-term improvement for those “It aims to demystify the Games and pro- promise to be an home or lucky enough to be living and working in Rio de Janeiro. vide familiarisation for athletes so that W cheering in the stands for Furthermore, the ‘nomadic architecture’ when they come to compete at their first amazing event but also two weeks every four years, the Paralym- design that has been used for the Future Games they have experience which pro- bring lasting change. pic Games themselves have amore Arena where handball and goalball are motes confidence and helps them to long-lasting effect. Playing host to the Pa- hosted means part of the venue will be thrive in the Games environment.” But do theyreally? ralympic Games can literally transform transformed into four public schools pro- Sophie Carrigill, who took part in the pro- the landscapes of cities and mould the viding education for 2,000 children in Rio. gramme, was so determined to make the minds of its dwellers. Physical changes, The rest of the stadium along with five ot- women’s wheelchair basketball team the building of stadiums, railways and in- her venues will become Brazil’s Olympic that watching them lose in London only encouraged her more. “It was watching the GB women compete against Germany and narrowly losing that really inspired me to want to be part History of the Games of that team and hopefully help them to win the next time they played that team in the Paralympics.” Before the first Paralympic Games Injuries Centre for soldiers in Stoke Robyn Love is another member of the wo- were held in Rome in 1960, sport for Mandeville. Guttmann developed anew men’s wheelchair basketball team for people with adisability was solely seen philosophy in rehabilitation,bringing to- Great Britain and London left her avery as aform of treatment and rehabilita- gether functional exercisesand the fun personal legacy. tion measure, especially for the milli- aspect of playing sports. Popular disci- “Without London 2012 Iwould not have ons of wounded soldiers after World plines were basketball and archery. got involved in wheelchair basketball War II. One of the pioneers who pushed Little by little, the exercises were adap- when Idid, and Iwould certainly not be forward rehabilitation sports was Ger- dpa ted and former patients performed representing GB in Rio. The London le- man doctor Sir Ludwig Guttmann. Of Je- Photo: them recreationally and as competitive gacy has certainly had amajor impact on wish origin, he had to emigrate to Eng- Sir Ludwig Guttmann in sports. Thus, the idea of the paralympic my life.” land. In 1943 the British government as- StokeMandeville movement was born. Let’s hope young Brazilian athletes will ked him to establish the National Spinal GUILHERME LONGO, 23 YEARS be just as inspired by the Rio 2016 legacy! LUCY MICHAELOUDIS, 21 YEARS 16 | Tagesspiegel ATHLETES AND ABILITIES

Annyeong Pyeong- chang

While medals are still being awarded in Rio de Janeiro, the organisation of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang is well underway. Athletes travelling to South Korea will compete in six sports, including snow- boarding as an individual sport after its debut in alpine skiing in 2014. Competi- tions will be held in five venues located in the Pyeongchang Mountain Cluster and the Gangneung Coastal Cluster. Michael Shin, Head of the Integration and Coordination Team of the Pyeong- chang Organising Committee, is obser- ving the Rio Paralympics closely. Travel- ling through Rio to reach avenue can be very time consuming, he notes, adding that the venues in Pyeongchang are no

Imago further than 30 minutes apart. In con- trast to previous Winter Games, this will

Photo: allow all athletes to be housed in one vil- Paralympics countdown event in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan government building in Tokyo. lage. Hosting the Games will help the in- tegration of people with adisability in sthe Rio games draw to aclose, Korea because, according to Mr. Shin, the eyes of the world turn to Ja- “Koreans are crazy about sports.” In pan and the 2020 host city of To- Konnichiwa the past there was aclear separation A kyo as it prepares to make his- between people with and without dis- tory as the first city to host the Paralym- abilites in Korea, but since winning the pic Games twice. bid to host the 2018 Winter Games, Preparations are already underway, but “new laws were passed and many faci- the Tokyo Organising Committee needs Tokyo lities are becoming more accessible.” to have some tricks up its sleeve if it ho- This goes hand in hand with the Actuali- pes to live up to the legacy of Rio. The 2020 Paralympic Games in Japan sing the Dream Programme, for which Three new permanent venues are to be Mr. Shin's team is responsible. It pro- constructed for the Games, and there are promise various highlights – motes paralympic sports in Korea, and plans to improve transport and access improves the recognition of people across the city, using the Games as acata- likethe debut of two rapidly growing sports: with adisability. Big campaigns are lyst for ahost of positive changes that promoted by famous Korean actors will also see asurge in funding and pro- badminton and taekwondo and the programme's effects should motion of adaptive sport. last long after the 2018 Games. Bringing aflavour of Tokyo to Brazil, the pionships in 2015 saw 35 of these send a ment," says Olof Hansson, para-tae- The organisers are positive that the Japan House in Rio put on an impressive total of 232 athletes to compete in 22 me- kwondo manager at the World Tae- Pyeongchang Games will promote in- open exhibition throughout the Olympics dal events. kwondo Federation. "We did bid to be on ter-Korean reconciliation, cooperation and Paralympics, introducing the Tokyo "On every level there was an extremely the programme for 2016, but at that time and peace. North Korea, which partici- Committee's vision for what its Games positive reaction to badminton's inclu- para-taekwondo was run alittle bit as a will bring. sion in Tokyo 2020," said Andy Hi- side project. After that failed, we took on nes-Randle, para-badminton and inte- people full time to work with it. grity manager at the Badminton World Fe- "That of course led to alot of reforms in THE JAPAN HOUSE deration. classification procedures and competi- IN RIO WASTOSHOW "Players in particular could now see a tion rules and even statutes -everything was pretty much gone through and cor- THE WORLD WHATTO rected for the promotion of para-tae- kwondo. EXPECT FROM TOKYO "And then the sport was pushed and Promo brought to the IPC at the precise time Photo: "The idea of the Tokyo 2020 Japan House that they were looking for more exciting, The Gangneung Hockey Centre will be here in Rio was to show the world what to more demanding sports for the Paralym- one of the two venues for ice hockey. expect from Tokyo," said Masatoshi Ishii, pic Games." representing the Committee at the Since the announcement that taekwondo pated at its first Paralympics ever in House. "The exhibitions here give ataste will be included at the Tokyo Paralym- London 2012, has yet to compete in Pa- of what Japan's Olympics and Paralym- pics, the sport has seen asurge in popula- ralympic Winter Games. Mr. Shin ack- pics will be like -and they will be great." rity that even the WTF didn't expect. nowledges the complexity of the sub- One of the highlights to look forward to at "Before being introduced to the Paralym- ject, but remains hopeful that this may the Tokyo Games is the Paralympic debut WTF pics, we still had asteadily growing popu- change in Pyeongchang. of two rapidly growing sports -badmin- lation of athletes," adds Mr Hansson. While the Rio Games were largely Photo: ton and taekwondo. Para-taekwondo will debut at the Tokyo "It's avery strong development, of course accessible, Mr. Shin points out several Badminton, played by wheelchair, stan- 2020 Paralympic Games. the inclusion in the Paralympic Games problems, such as unstable ramps for ding and short stature athletes, has been has helped alot, but this is more than we wheelchair users. He says alot of mo- competed in internationally since the complete competition pathway to the Pa- expected in terms of development this ney was spent on equipment that was 1990s, with the first world champion- ralympic Games." year. Ithink that the main gain will be not useful. The Pyeongchang Games ships held in 1998. Similarly, taekwondo has seen its popula- seen next year, after the Rio Paralym- would therefore aim to be cost-efficient. It is now one of the fastest growing rity snowball since the sport was first pics, when countries start focusing on In the words of Mr. Shin, “enough mo- para-sports, currently played in over 60 adapted for athletes with adisability. the Tokyo 2020 Games." ney is better than more money.” countries. The most recent world cham- "It's been an extremely rapid develop- KERI TRIGG, 21 YEARS MILAN MARCUS, 19 YEARS