On 9 September 2024, Unesco Paris hosted Handi-capacités, an international organisation run by Panathlon France and the Sanitus Foundation.
Marc Rozenblat, physician and President of Panathlon France, had initiated this exceptional event.
Representatives and ambassadors from all over the world took an active part in the congress, which highlighted the need for international cooperation to promote the social development of anyone affected by a disability.
Sport is a catalyst, but above all it is a stimulator of personal development and social integration, which needs no explanation to any Panathlon member.
The 17th Paralympic Summer Games were the best proof of this. Rarely have athletes in their own Paralympic discipline been so strongly encouraged, admired and applauded.
New role models have appeared in the firmament of sport. In the media, we have been inundated with daily records and highlights in Olympic sports.
Finally, the concept of integration is no longer a conglomeration of letters, but a hopefully a new reality.
Nevertheless, in Paris we only saw the result of immense efforts. Did we see how individual personalities managed to rise so far above their abilities and disregard their disabilities?
Human capacities are much stronger than disabilities.
That's why their achievements give substance to the term Handi-Capacités.
The whole conference revolved around this theme.
In addition to physical disabilities, the focus was on mental disabilities such as autism.
Panathlon International was strongly represented with delegations from Europe and South America. Paul Standaert, President of the Belgium District, represented Giorgio Chinellato, International President of Panathlon.
In his speech, Paul Standaert highlighted the many initiatives that already exist within governments in the fields of sport, education, social security and employment, to name but a few. International organisations such as Unicef and Unesco play an active role in promoting initiatives that foster the social development of all people, whether able-bodied or disabled.
This multiplicity of initiatives threatens to become a vast forest in which the disadvantaged have difficulties to find their way and, at the same time, do not have the appropriate support they are looking for. Paul Standaert stressed the importance of guiding and assisting those seeking help in this multimedia world full of well-meaning procedures and regulations. He compared it to records that need to be merged into a strong but above all accessible offering. Even more for those who don't have access to the world of multimedia.
The many speakers gave an overview of all the initiatives that already exist or that have been launched today. The Handi-Capacities concept is an application of the Panathlon Declaration. Every child has the right to take part in sport, at his or her own level, in an appropriate environment and setting.
Panathlon International has the vision and the merit to clarify and promote these rights.
Every opportunity to put this on the table is another step towards achieving our mission.
Ludis Iungit.
