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Arnaud Assoumani's rage over the media's indifference to the Paralympics

2020-03-31T17:34:17.549Z


LE SCAN SPORT - Paralympic long jump champion in Beijing in 2008, the athlete protested against the lack of media coverage of the Paralympic Games, whose postponement was barely mentioned.


A bombshell. While all the media have consistently talked about the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games, then their new dates in 2021 (from July 23 to August 8), the Paralympics, they were only the subject of some articles. Who knows, for example, that they will finally be held from August 24 to September 5 next year? Arnaud Assoumani can no longer bear this indifference. Or more precisely, he never supported it, he who has always fought for better recognition of Paralympic athletes.

So, in 2012 already, before going to defend his Olympic title - won in 2008 in Beijing - in London at length, he had launched this message in the columns of the New Obs: “We want recognition. Do not look at certain athletes as animals. Let there be a more human vision. Stop taboos and broadcast live. We are not aiming for equality, we are so far from it. We just hope to be recognized at our fair value. "That the public in France, which is more and more demanding, can live, vibrate, encourage behind their TV the Paralympic athletes who represent their country, and realize the magnitude of the event."

"Do you know that the Paralympic Games exist today? Does that seem absurd to you? ”

Arnaud Assoumani

In an open letter to the media sent on Tuesday, the five-time Paralympic medalist in the length and triple jump - who was born without a left forearm - gives a legitimate layer on this lack of consideration of which he considers disabled athletes victims , and utters a real cry from the heart: "Do you know that the Paralympic Games exist today? Does that seem absurd to you? Did you know that the next ones will take place in Tokyo in 2021? Then in Paris in 2024? What athletes are also preparing for? ”

Hey @the team you knew that women were forbidden to participate in the Olympic Games in 1896! It seems absurd to you today!
Do you know that the Paralympic Games exist today? Does that seem absurd to you? @ FRAparalympique @ FranceOlympique @ Paris2024 # raslebolhttps: //t.co/abRTmYXU6Fpic.twitter.com/20rxeFVTHw

- Arnaud Assoumani (@ArnaudAssoumani) March 30, 2020

Before detailing his thought: "Of course, it can be strange and brutal to spend" a rant "just in reaction to a lack of information, it may seem disproportionate. "Hey Arnaud, calm down!" Do not worry ! We will talk about the Paralympics when the time comes. Today it is not the priority given the pandemic situation ”, I could perhaps read in future comments! Yes clearly, in the current context, it is certainly not the priority, far from it! Athletes do not save lives… Finally, some of them work in the health field, so are also "at the front" at the moment, like all our caregivers, so this is half true. (..) Of course, this is not the priority, but the fact is that it never is. Despite all this, all the media are talking in this news about major sporting events to come ... After Euro football, the Olympic Games, Roland Garros, now the Tour de France ... But not the Paralympic Games, while the association with the Olympics should be natural. No one wondered when they would take place in Tokyo ... just a few dates indicated in some media. It is for me the symbol of the absence of information on what is disturbing and is still taboo in France today! ”

And Assoumani to conclude his letter: "However I have a hope: will you, the media, have the courage to share this mail, to write an article on the underlying subject which has existed for years in France in interviewing Paralympic athletes, also Olympic athletes, sports and stories that we don't hear? That this letter is not based solely on solidarity sharing on social networks, for those who approve my message. However, even if it is only a few people I encourage and those who feel directly concerned who read it, it will not be bad. Initially, this rant relayed on my social networks was intended for the group L'Equipe but I generally address it to all the media. There must remain a message imbued with humanity aspiring to more solidarity, peace, tolerance and respect between all of us and for all of us. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, strength to all the people who work and save lives, allowing us to live more serenely. Strength to all those who are already economically affected. Strength to all those who fight against the disease. Strength to all of us. ”

Read also

  • Tokyo Olympics: Games shifted by a year

Source: lefigaro

All sports articles on 2020-03-31

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