The posters/diptych of Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Illustration by Ugo Gattoni.

Were you a Paralympic athlete, or did I just dream that?

Not Paralympics, Pixie do special olympics . Is similar . but . for different kind of disabilities . special olympics Is for intellectual and developmental disabilities .

Do You Know This Disabled Character?

Sondre the Troll is an amputee.

Ladies and gentlemen... I have an imagination...

Since my world accepts fictional characters from cartoons to video games and more, I don't really accept mascots to be real in my world because mascots are mascots and they must protect their rights.

If I'm able to do so, here are some scenarios from mascots I like if they were in my world. Some are fake, some are for fun, some are basically true...

What Paralympics sport do you see Barbara Gordon doing?

TW: Ableism yo this situation kind of fucking sucks. an organization that influences how people treat disabled people and is supposed to be an inspiration to disabled people making fun of their atheletes' disabilities, and allowing the shitshow that is the comments to continue unaddressed, even encouraging it at times? that shit ain't cool. i don't think there would be an issue if the atheletes themselves had been the ones making and posting the memes on their personal accounts, but this is just gross.

Do you know about the Gaza Sunbirds?

They are a paracycling team from Gaza. During the manifestations held between 2018 and 2019 at the border between Israel and Palestine, Alaa al-Dali, a professional cyclist, was shot by israeli snipers and lost a leg. 214 other palestinians were killed and more than 36 thousands were wounded. Many of them ended up losing limbs.

Alaa al-Dali knew these people were at risk of becoming outcasts, so he decided to found a paracycling team with them. The team was getting ready for the 2024 Paralympics, but because of the genocide they won't be able to take part in the games. The Gaza Sunbirds have now decided to put their skill at the service of the palestinian people, and bring humanitarian aid even to the most remote places of Palestine.

There are cities which are organizing rides to raise funds for the Gaza Sunbirds (you could ask to organize one in your city!), but you could also simply donate through their website:

Paralympian Athlete Shayne Smith Cosplaying as Roderick Strong

2020 Tokyo Olympic Paralympic Maneki Neko Plush

Ok I know I said that I would include Sumi and Mukmuk (most photos have them all together) but I didn’t include any other Paralympic mascots so that’s probably not fair

Also for those who are curious Wenlock is supposed to be drops of steel.

Apparently the Olympic and Paralympic mascots where advertised together there two, which is probably why I felt like something was off when I only wrote down one name.

Para-sports has really changed my outlook on basically everything we're taught about sport, fitness, ability, weight, health etc. It's so important, every para-sports club in the world deserves a billion pounds each so everyone can have the opportunity to try it all out.

Do You Know This Disabled Character?

Petra is either an amputee or has amelia.

Love to hear that Paralympic athletes were consulted (and listened) to regarding this. More accessibilty is always good (and evidently appreciated) 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻