Dear Members of the British Paralympic Association,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you as a concerned supporter of the Paralympic movement, and as an advocate for the rights and dignity of chronically sick disabled people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis worldwide. The Paralympics have always been a powerful platform, celebrating the resilience, strength, and achievements of athletes with disabilities. They challenge perceptions, break down barriers, and inspire millions. However, I wish to address a matter of significant concern regarding your #EveryBodyMoves campaign, which I believe warrants urgent attention and rectification.
While the campaign's intention to encourage physical activity and promote inclusivity is commendable, it unfortunately overlooks a critical reality: there are a large number of disabled people who are physically unable to engage in exercise or physical activity due to the nature of their disabilities. For these individuals, the campaign's message can be both exclusionary and inadvertently stigmatising.
The slogan #EveryBodyMoves, though well-meaning, implies a universality that simply does not exist. It risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes by suggesting that everyone, regardless of their physical condition, should be able to move or exercise. For those whose disabilities prevent them from doing so, this can lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and a sense of being misunderstood or overlooked by the very community that is supposed to represent and support them.
To address this issue, I respectfully request that you consider including a caveat in your partnership promotional material (in the UK this is on Channel 4 with Toyota but includes other content with Nestle, Adidas, Aldi, British Gas, Dreams, and Bupa amongst others) acknowledging that while physical activity is beneficial for many, there are individuals with disabilities who are physically unable to engage in such activities. It is important to emphasise that the Paralympic movement values and supports all disabled people, regardless of their ability to participate in sports or physical exercise.
This inclusion would not only make the campaign more inclusive but also demonstrate the British Paralympic Association's commitment to truly representing the diverse experiences of disabled people. By acknowledging the limitations some face, you would be sending a powerful message that the Paralympic movement is for everyone, not just those who can compete or move in a conventional sense.
I trust that the Association will take this suggestion in the spirit it is intended—one of constructive criticism and a desire to ensure that the Paralympic Games continue to be a beacon of hope and inclusion for all. I believe that by making this adjustment, the campaign can better reflect the diverse realities of disabled people and avoid unintentionally alienating those who already face significant challenges.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and hope to see the Paralympic movement continue to grow in its role as a leader in promoting true inclusivity and understanding.
Sincerely,
Sally Callow
Founder: ME Foggy Dog, UK social enterprise.