The Games will be a mega-event, with some 15 million visitors to France! It’s a chance to get together and watch the world’s best athletes compete at the highest level.
Mega-events like this not only bring a lot of people and a lot of excitement to the host city, they will also bring big changes to daily life, not only in Paris, but also at the other competition venues. We already know about the many restrictions that will be applied by the French police to ensure security in Paris, such as the ban on gathering with more than 10 people outside, or access to roads or closed places. This means that certain events, actions and services will not be possible. This doesn’t scare us into changing our vision, but it does encourage us to find creative solutions while respecting current rules and regulations.
Handisport events, however, have a slightly different character. They highlight human vulnerability, resilience and courage. During the Games, there are always countless ways to serve athletes, their families and people with disabilities, for example by volunteering with the organizing committee, supporting national federations in their needs or praying for the athletes. The safety implications are not as stringent as at other sporting events, so there are plenty of opportunities for projects.
Handisport events also force us to think about disability and how we include people with disabilities in our existing churches and projects. We need to take up the challenge of becoming more inclusive and breaking new ground by learning to break down barriers and raise awareness of different types of disability.
We’ve also seen in the past that many churches don’t see the opportunity the Games bring until it’s right in front of their eyes, by which time it’s often too late to prepare anything.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by, even if it seems daunting at the moment. Think about what your church or organization is already doing and how it could adapt it for the summer of 2024.