R.M.Williams’ Post

“The Magic of the Paralympics: Perseverance and Inspiration” The Paralympics are special for several reasons and since I was gifted with living with a paraplegic at an early age, it became a must see on my sports calendar. For full context please read earlier post: ’The Rare Gift of Living with a Paraplegic’. Here are just a few reasons why you might want to watch too: 1. Showcase of Human Resilience: The games highlight the extraordinary achievements of athletes who overcome physical and sometimes severe disabilities. They demonstrate the indomitable will and spirit of the human condition. 2. Promoting Inclusion: The Paralympics play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and changing perceptions about disability. They offer a platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for equal opportunities. 3. High Level of Competition: Athletes at the Paralympics compete at incredibly high levels, often breaking records and setting new standards in their sports, just like in the Olympics. 4. Innovation and Adaptation: The sports are often adapted to fit the needs of the athletes, showcasing innovative equipment and modifications that make the sports accessible to those with disabilities. If you are new to the Paralympics and aren’t sure where to start, I recommend a few sports to watch. At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, several athletes delivered exceptional performances and I do highlight a few of these amazing athletes. The viewership is also the highest it’s been To read the full article “The Magic of the Paralympics: Perseverance and Inspiration”please click here: https://lnkd.in/gxPYy8bx Watch the exciting highlights of Blind Football, day 10, of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: https://lnkd.in/gVpkgXDF 1. #Paralympics 2. #Inspiration 3. #Perseverance 4. #HumanSpirit 5. #AdaptiveSports 6. #AthleteInspiration 7. #BreakingBarriers 8. #InclusionMatters 9. #ParalympicHeroes 10. #SportsForAll 11. #Unstoppable 12. #ChampionMindset 13. #Olympics International Olympic Committee – IOC Special Olympics LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games

What can others learn from Paralympian Curtis McGrath’s story of overcoming adversity? How can the Paralympics boost conversations — and action — around inclusion and diversity? Here are my thoughts. #LinkedInNewsAustralia I've met Curtis McGrath and he's a great bloke with an incredible story. With his German-made bionic legs he walked up the stairs to the podium to deliver a speech at a conference I was running. His approach and resilience and achievements captures the essence of what makes Australia great. For Australians, sport is a great leveler for conversations. We just watched in ore as the Australian Olympic team in Paris punched above their weight and returned 53 medals including 18 gold. We ranked 4th overall. Based on our population we deserve to rank 55th. On average we rank 8th across all Olympics. But when you talk Paralympics, that's another level up again. Australia ranks 6th on average across all games. The stories of our Paralympians help us appreciate not only their determination to overcome adversity, but to also highlight the human factor. At the end of the day we are all different but we are all the same in so many ways. Note: AI was not used to write this post;)

What can others learn from Paralympian Curtis McGrath’s story of overcoming adversity? How can the Paralympics boost conversations — and action — around inclusion and diversity? Here are my thoughts. #LinkedInNewsAustralia Yes. there are two wonderful things that happen with the Paralympics. One we can admire the wonder, skill, and commitment of these wonderful athletes. Hence encouraging diversity. Two, possibly more importantly, this competition gives paralympians hope. As they compete and succeed.

As a field hockey 🏑 player at Maryland (yep! GO TERPS! 🐢), I learned about the concept of "perceived pressure"—when an opponent is near but not close enough to actually impact your play. You feel the pressure, but much of it is just in your head. Life’s limitations often work the same way. We convince ourselves we can't do something without even trying, setting up our own barriers. But here’s the thing: those limitations are like that distant opponent—more imagined than real. Take Paralympians, for example. These athletes don’t just push boundaries; they shatter them. Despite facing challenges most of us can only imagine, they redefine what’s possible with every race, jump, or throw. Look at athletes like Tatyana McFadden - professional, who has won multiple gold medals across five Paralympic Games; Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old armless archer from India who hit a bullseye on her first shot; or Zakia Khudadadi, who won the first medal for the Refugee Paralympic Team despite facing unimaginable obstacles. Their accomplishments are a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and refusing to let perceived pressure or limitations dictate their potential. With just a few days left in the Paralympics, I encourage you to tune in and witness the power, athleticism, and talent of these incredible competitors. They’re living proof that perceived limitations are just that—perceived. So, what’s your “distant opponent” or your “perceived pressure?” How is it holding you back, and what can you do to rewrite the story you’re telling yourself? If Paralympians can achieve greatness by overcoming unimaginable odds, maybe it’s time we all re-evaluate the limitations we place on ourselves. United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games International Olympic Committee – IOC International Paralympic Committee #paralympics #limitations

What can others learn from Paralympian Curtis McGrath’s story of overcoming adversity? How can the Paralympics boost conversations — and action — around inclusion and diversity? Here are my thoughts. To further boost inclusion, organizations could: Partner with Paralympic athletes for workplace talks on resilience and diversity. Review and enhance workplace accessibility policies. Promote adaptive sports programs in local communities. McGrath's story reminds us that with the right mindset, support, and determination, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and achieve greatness. #LinkedInNewsAustralia

The change we see is often the product of invisible work we may never know of. We enter an Olympic and Paralympic Games with more belief and greater aspirations than ever before. Here's an excellent piece featuring many of the unseen efforts and detailing the work that goes into preparing elite athletes. So many have contributed to getting us to here, more will be needed to sustain and accelerate change. #changethescript #indiansport https://lnkd.in/gWk-qESs

We need to learn from these Paralympians! #paralympics #parisolympics #paralympians #parisolympis2024

Visually impaired runner Libby Clegg and Paralympic guide Chris Clarke ran wrist to wrist, perfectly synchronized, and won gold in the 100-meter and 200-meter races at the Paralympic Games in 2016, breaking the Paralympic world record! Interestingly, Clarke didn’t make it for England’s national team and couldn’t compete in the 2016 Olympics, but he made a comeback by partnering with a winner in the 2016 Paralympic. He and Clegg trained for only two months together, and he helped Clegg see what she couldn't see. The takeaway? Winners need opportunity. When a winner partners with another winner, the likelihood of success DOUBLES. Are you teaming with winners? Repost this to your winner partners! #Success #Teamwork #Partnership #Cofounders

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are tomorrow!! Did you know some team members at Deloitte are also Olympians and Paralympians?! Deloitte is proud to have Olympians and Paralympians among many brilliant teams. Check out their unique stories! #DiscoverYourImpact

Wondering how the Paralympics got their start? Learn about the history of the #Paralympics and the inspiring stories of para-athletes. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/eKmXuNE2