Hosting a Paralympic Festival with Your College Students: Training the Next Generation to Lead

Authors

  • Lauren J. Lieberman SUNY Brockport
  • Valerie Caron University of Fribourg, Switzerland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/PALAESTRA-2025-V39-I4-13390

Keywords:

Disability sport, inclusion, awareness, Ableism, higher education, Paralympics sports

Abstract

Over the years there have been several models of Paralympic Sport programming and Disabilities awareness program within Physical Education contexts for a variety of age levels. These include the Paralympic Sports Day (PSD) for youth in K-12 settings, the Paralympic Sports Lab (PSL) for college students, and Inclusive Sports at School (ISS) for college students. Mainly, the programs aim to develop knowledge of Paralympic sports and change the attitudes of people without disabilities towards Paralympic athletes and sports through an immersive experience. Since the first guidelines published in 2006 by the International Paralympic Committee, several studies have highlighted the attitude change of the participants who engaged in these Paralympic experiences. The purpose of this article is to provide another option for a Paralympic sports program that trains future teachers to lead. The purpose, process, and specific program structure are provided so the reader can replicate this innovative program.

Published

2025-12-18

Issue

Section

Feature Articles