Parallel Games, Equal Excellence


Parallel Games, Equal Excellence
February 1, 2026
Jessica Bentley 
Dr. Sowers

Parallel Games, Equal Excellence

At the beginning of this week's content, my understanding of the word Paralympics was largely an assumption rather than information or knowledge.  I thought that the “para” in Paralympics was used because it described paralysis or paraplegic. I thought this because when I think of the Paralympic games it is primarily with athletes who are physically disabled and it affects their mobility. I also thought that the Paralympics were an adapted version of the Olympic Games. My understanding of the Paralympics is common, but it does not reflect these games in the best way. 

Through this week's reading, especially the materials from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and academic work on disability sports, the way that I recognize the Paralympics has shifted. A couple of the terms that are used for these games were defined differently than I perceived, so this helped to describe the games in a more accurate way. I learned that “para” in Paralympic is Greek for “beside” or “alongside”. This term is also coined to show that the Paralympic Games, “parallel games,” exist alongside the Olympic Games rather than beneath them. This idea is very powerful because it shows equality, coexistence, and shared values rather than a hierarchy between the two. 

The IPC article that I read explains that the Paralympic Games were founded on principles of elite competition, courage, determination, inspiration, and equality (IPC,n.d). Learning and understanding history helped me to change my earlier belief that the Paralympics are simply a modified version of Olympic events. Instead, this is a global sporting movement with its own identity, rules, and traditions. While both the Olympics and Paralympics may differ in the way that they are structured, they both represent the very highest elite levels of athletic achievement. 

                                                    Paralympic symbols - Wikipedia

The reading and the videos that were shown in this week's lesson help to show how the concept of the “parallel games” pushes back against ableist narratives. The Paralympics are not about overcoming a disability for others' inspiration, but about how to recognize people with disabilities as equal athletes. Athletes are not defined by what they lack but by what they achieve and the hard work that goes into it. 

My reflection on the word Paralympics now means representing equality, mutual respect, and partnership. The Paralympic Games and the Olympics games stand side by side, and one should not be treated any differently from the other. My better understanding has challenged me to be more appreciative of the Paralympic movement as a space for innovation, excellence, and social change. I am even more excited to watch the 2026 Paralympic Games now!

                                                        2026 Winter Paralympics - Wikipedia

References 

Article

International Paralympic Committee. (n.d.). Paralympics history. International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved February 1, 2026, from https://www.paralympic.org/ipc/history?utm_source= 

Photos

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralympic_symbols

https://www.paralympic.org/news/futura-official-emblem-milano-cortina-2026


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