Many of us enjoyed the recent Commonwealth Games and our stellar effort bringing home a swag of medals in what was one of our most successful away games ever. We got to see the best Able and Para athletes compete alongside each other and live the village life. They stayed at the same accommodation, competed at the same venues, and took home the same accolades and medals. It had many people around the world supporting an integrated sporting future moving forward. Many people asked why were there such few para events at the Commonwealth Games. Why can’t we just integrate and combine the Olympics and Paralympics moving forward?

It has long been a divisive topic amongst the sporting community. Many are calling for the events to unite in what would potentially look like a 4 week-long festival of sport. Whilst this sounds like any sports fan's dream come true is an undertaking larger than Ben Herr - up to 15,000 athletes and an accommodation and village precinct that could rival a small town. 

On the other hand, there are athletes who don’t want the Paralympic movement to disappear and see funding, more exposure, and respect, with increased media coverage.  An important fact to consider is that the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee are two separate organisations. There is a Memorandum of Understanding with the IOC, which is basically to extend IPC cooperation to 2032. This agreement between the Olympics and Paralympics allows the events to run concurrently and promises that the two bodies will work together to promote the Paralympic Brand. 

We know that the appetite for Parasport has increased over the last 10 years, and we are starting to see a deeper exposure of Para Athletes which is raising the profiles of our superstars. However, it seems that due to many factors, the two games will stay as they are. Let’s hope on a smaller level that we can allow integration on a club, state and National level so we see all our athletes learn and thrive off each other and build each other up. 

About Eliza:

Eliza Ault-Connell AM, is a wife, mother of three, Para Athlete and lover of life. Born and raised in Sydney Australia, Eliza is a passionate advocate for positive body image and diversity and inclusion. In her spare time, Eliza loves to be active, out on the water, up a mountain and taking in life. Currently, Eliza is keeping fit and taking some time away from elite racing competition. She recently published a gorgeously illustrated children’s book called Peg Leg Pedicure, which is about disability and inclusion and can be found on Booktopia.com.au