After the visit of the IOC members in Madrid to assess the candidacy of Madrid 2020, one of the questions that arise in reference to the project, through the celebration of the Paralympics, is whether improvements in infrastructure, focused (or not) to sports, have regard to disabled people living in the capital.
In that sense, the head of the Sports Promotion Area of the Sports Council (CSD), Juan Manuel Hueli, said in a meeting on ‘inclusive sport and disability’ held in Madrid, that “the inclusion of people with disabilities can improve If Madrid gets the 2020 Games. “
Hueli stressed the importance of contributing to the visibility of the actions that take place in Spain in the field of disability. In fact he said that “In this sense it would be very positive that Madrid will host the 2020 Games.” Meanwhile, the coach of the Sports Department of the Spanish Paralympic Committee, Javier González, explained that “one of our goals is that people with disabilities achieve inclusion through sports and therefore we believe that” Madrid 2020 would be a great showcase for the whole society to see the values and potential of our Paralympic athletes, and be a role model. “
Also, at the meeting on ‘inclusive sport and disability’ was attended by Director of Special Olympics, Enric Blesa, the researcher inclusive sport, Carmen Ocete; ASDOWN manager Burgos, Luis Mayoral, and responsible for the area of social-sportive animation of the Foundation of the Injured Spinal Cord, IAGO Barquero. Blesa stressed that “the crisis, which is causing damage to all sectors, is also doing the Third Sector” and explained that “there is an obvious fear that turns backwards” in relation to the inclusion of people with disabilities through sport.”
In conclusion we can expect two things: hope that Madrid is chosen and, if so, expect to truly show an example of integration in all areas, to make these Olympic Games as unforgettable as Barcelona ’92.
