Inclusion in the Paralympics: Incorporation of Power Soccer for Redefining Disability Rhetoric in Society

Abstract

Society at large views the Paralympics through an idealized lens as a competitive event that empowers athletes of all abilities to prove that disability is not a limiting factor in athletic success. In reality, many individuals with disabilities cannot play sports presented in the Paralympics. Existing Paralympic recognized sports are designed for disabled individuals with higher mobility, namely quadriplegic and paraplegic injuries. There are, however, numerous adaptive sports not included in the Paralympics that promote greater disability inclusiveness, particularly for individuals with neuromuscular diseases that accelerate muscle weakness. One such sport is power soccer. The impact of Paralympic inclusion on disability identity and empowerment was analyzed using social identity theory (SIT) to compare experiences of identity and empowerment among Paralympic-recognized and power soccer athletes (N=28). The results revealed that adaptive sports players develop disability empowerment regardless of Paralympic inclusion. However, Paralympic inclusion enhanced opportunities to showcase the vibrant abilities among marginalized adaptive sports athletes.

Keywords: Social Identity Theory, Paralympics, disability empowerment, disability identity, inclusion