Media Visibility of The Olympics and Paralympic Games
Chapter from the book:
Ulupınar,
S.
&
Tozoğlu,
E.
&
Biricik,
Y.
S.
(eds.)
2024.
Sustainability and Qualitative Research in Training Science .
Synopsis
Although the Paralympic Games are an important international event where athletes with disabilities demonstrate their outstanding abilities, they do not receive sufficient media coverage. Compared to the Olympic Games, the lack of coverage, especially in traditional television channels and newspapers, makes it difficult to increase the popularity of the Games. This situation leads to under-emphasising the achievements of persons with disabilities in sports and decreasing the awareness of the general public on these achievements. However, digital media and social media platforms offer important opportunities to close this gap and promote Paralympic athletes. Social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and Twitter increase awareness of the Paralympic Games by bringing the stories of athletes to a wider audience. Thanks to these platforms, there is a chance to follow individual achievements and challenges more closely. Increased media coverage of these Games can make a significant contribution to strengthening the position of people with disabilities in society and achieving greater equality in the world of sport. Increased visibility in the media can make significant contributions to breaking prejudices about disability in society and developing a more inclusive sports culture.