As the U.S. presidential election approaches (5th on November) the world is watching closely to see how the outcome may influence not only the country’s domestic politics, but also high-profile global events such as the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The possible re-election of Donald Trump, who has been criticized for his derogatory statements towards people with disabilities, creates uncertainty about the impact it could have on an event that, by nature, promotes inclusion and diversity.
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Recently, Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB’s chief of mission, expressed her hope in ‘The Guardian’ that politics will not interfere with the success of the Paralympics in Los Angeles. “LA is probably one of the most inclusive cities in the world. Their ambition is clear, and their commitment to delivering an incredible Paralympic Games experience is already there.” However, he acknowledged the possibility of political challenges around the presidency of Trump, whose record on people with disabilities has generated controversy since his 2016 presidential campaign.
TRUMP’S MOCKERY OF A JOURNALIST’S DISABILITY.
One of Trump’s most controversial moments in his political career occurred when he mocked ‘New York Times’ journalist Serge Kovaleski, who has a congenital joint condition. This incident was criticized by many and raised concerns about the impact of his leadership on issues of inclusion and respect for people with disabilities. In addition, there have been other moments in which the former president made fun of President Joe Biden’s stutter.
The political context surrounding the Los Angeles 2028 Games is still uncertain. However, organizers and representatives of the international teams hope that politics will not stand in the way of preparing for and hosting a Games that promotes the core values of sport, such as equality, inclusion and respect.
A ‘POLITICAL’ GAMES
It would not be the first time that a global sporting event has taken place amid political tensions. In the case of Los Angeles 2028, the city has the opportunity to show the world a vision of inclusion and diversity, values that are essential to the Paralympic Games in particular. With the support of the international community and a vision of a world where sport brings people together, there are high expectations that the Games in Los Angeles can be an example of how sporting events can overcome political divisions and foster unity.
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