Paris 2024: ‘Nothing about us without us’ reflected in IPC Comms team
During the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, fans and supporters from around the world stayed updated thanks to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Comms team. This team is diverse and includes about 30% people with disabilities. IPC President Andrew Parsons sees this as a perfect example of what the IPC and the Paralympic Movement stand for.
Parsons believes that by removing barriers, people with disabilities can excel not just in sports but in all areas of life. He emphasized that these talented individuals, who work in writing, photography, and more, show that they can achieve great things when given the chance.
For Elizabeth Rajchart, joining the IPC Paris 2024 Comms team as a photographer was a dream come true. Her career focuses on disability, and she’s passionate about making environments more accessible and promoting self-advocacy.
George Doman, the Content Distribution Co-ordinator, was overjoyed and amazed when he received the job offer. It was his first trip outside the USA, and he was thrilled, especially given his disability.
Harry De Cosemo, a Reporter, was excited but nervous when he got the call from the IPC. It was an unexpected and thrilling opportunity for him.
Jack Booth, the Upload Producer, saw the job as a special chance, especially since he was previously unemployed. He felt lucky to be part of such a significant event in Paris.
For Doman, working with the IPC was a perfect fit because it promotes inclusivity and provides opportunities for people with disabilities, which can be hard to find elsewhere.
De Cosemo appreciated how the IPC truly celebrated and accommodated his disability, providing the support he needed. Rajchart was moved by the diverse representation of disability she saw at the Paralympic Village.
Both De Cosemo and Rajchart had memorable experiences, such as De Cosemo interviewing his hero, Jurgen Klopp, and Rajchart photographing IPC President Andrew Parsons with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Matija Grebenic, a Brand Manager with the IPC, believes that having a diverse team helps everyone achieve more. He sees representation as crucial in all areas, including media and companies.
Rajchart feels that having people with disabilities on the IPC team, as well as among the athletes, is a positive and powerful example of the “Nothing about us without us” principle.
One of Doman’s special moments was meeting Matt Stutzman, the armless archer. Doman had used Stutzman as inspiration for a song that won an Emmy. Stutzman shared how he had once felt unwanted, which deeply moved Doman.
