Empowering Paralympians: Athlete-Led Advocacy and Campaign Training

The success of the Paralympic Athletes Community Training (PACT) initiative has ignited a new spark among athletes, enhancing their confidence and equipping them with the vital skills required to advocate for their causes. Athletes who participated in PACT described their experiences as transformative, highlighting the powerful impact of the online and in-person events designed to help them take the reins in their advocacy efforts.

What did athletes have to say about PACT?

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, showcasing both excitement and gratitude for the programme. One athlete enthused, “I loved all the aspects of the course; doing online, mentoring and in-person sessions was just brilliant. It’s a shame it’s over!” Another echoed their sentiments, saying, “The day was honestly brilliant. I loved being in a room with so many passionate people and learning from everyone. The only thing I’d wish for in the future is a longer, two-day course!”

The programme provided clarity on campaigning, as one participant remarked, “It opened up a bit of clarity for me about what campaigning and advocacy can look like, and how to start building campaigns and expanding existing work.” This sense of understanding translated into a newfound enthusiasm for action.

The involvement of guest speakers also enhanced the experience; as one participant noted, “The guest speaker was fantastic and exactly the kind of positive and galvanising note we needed to finish on. The whole event was very friendly and made it easy to ask questions and contribute… It was a great introduction.” This openness fostered an environment where athletes felt comfortable not only sharing insights but also growing together as a community.

The camaraderie was evident throughout the day, which culminated in one Paralympian, Roy Turnham, sharing the impact PACT had on his journey. “Since completing PACT, I’ve just founded a community interest company called Vision Through Action, which is based on the issues I wanted to campaign for, that is, improved sports and fitness opportunities at grassroots level, which transfer into day-to-day situations.”

Such initiatives are essential, as they underline the ripple effect of the support provided by PACT. The programme empowers athletes, guiding them to leverage their platforms for change and advocacy within their communities—a crucial dimension of adaptive sports.

ParalympicsGB and SMK’s collaboration has proved to be a significant milestone, leading to the announcement of an enhanced version of PACT set for 2025. This upcoming project promises to deliver increased mentoring, resources, and networking opportunities for athletes eager to make a difference.

Nicci Bailey, Athlete Community & Social Impact Manager at ParalympicsGB, explained the motivation behind this initiative: “We recognised a gap in training that addresses Paralympians’ unique experiences and contributions. Athletes were eager to use their platforms for causes they care about, but often lacked guidance. Collaborating with SMK, we co-created a programme tailored to their needs, giving back to those who’ve given so much to the Paralympic Movement.”

The ambition of ParalympicsGB extends beyond skill development; it strives to harness the influence of Paralympic athletes to inspire societal change. As Bailey stated, “The more athletes we empower, the closer we get to achieving this mission.”

Participants are invited to apply for PACT 2025, a golden opportunity to expand their outreach and advocacy skills. Athletes interested in applying or seeking further details about the course can email athletecommunity@morethanthegames.co.uk.

For those looking to stay connected with the ongoing progress of the Athlete Community programme, signing up will ensure you receive the latest updates regarding upcoming opportunities.

In a world where the power of sport resonates on and off the field, it is evident that initiatives like PACT are not just about training athletes; they are about creating a movement—one that champions both individual empowerment and collective impact. By equipping sportspeople with the necessary tools, PACT is helping to reshape the narratives surrounding disability in sport and inspiring the next wave of advocates within the Paralympic community.

Ultimately, PACT serves as a reminder that every interaction, every session, and every voice contributes to the larger narrative of adaptive sports—a narrative driven by passion, purpose, and an unyielding quest for equality in every arena.