Ahmed AlMashhadi أحمد المشهدي’s Post

Questioning the Disparity Between the Olympics and Paralympics? As a volunteer for both the Olympics and Paralympics, I've had the rare chance to see the inner workings of both events up close.  It’s troubling to witness the stark difference in budgets, services, and overall investment between the two, with the Paralympics receiving? less. Paralympic athletes have overcome tremendous challenges, surpassing physical and societal barriers to excel at the highest level of their sports. Despite these extraordinary accomplishments, the resources devoted to the Paralympics are not on the same scale as what is allocated to the Olympics. Why do those who have had to overcome so much receive so much less in return?  Shouldn't the Paralympics be supported and celebrated just as much, if not more, for the determination, resilience, and skill these athletes  display? Should we accept the Paralympics as a lesser counterpart to the Olympics simply because the investment is not on the same level? Or does this imbalance reveal a deeper issue in how we truly value the remarkable achievements of Paralympic athletes? #EqualSupport #Paralympics #Olympics #FairnessInSport #Inclusion #AthleteEquality #DisabilityRights #SportsForAll #ChampioningDiversity #OvercomingChallenges

Another #Olympics may be done and dusted....Tom Cruise has abseiled into the Stade de France (Sorry Tom you're not a patch on Queen Elizabeth parachuting but nice try!). But the spirit of competition and excellence is far from over. 28th August marks the start of the #Paralympic Games - highlighting the incredible abilities of #disabled athletes. I am am blown away by that fact that 24 athletes competing in this year's Paralympics have used Back Up's services at some point in their journey to #Paris! The Paralympics are not just a sports event; they are a global movement that challenges perceptions, breaks down barriers, and fosters inclusivity. These athletes train with the same intensity and determination as their Olympic counterparts, often facing additional hurdles both on and off the field. Supporting the Paralympics also means advocating for greater visibility and accessibility in all aspects of life. It’s an opportunity for businesses, communities, and individuals to commit to creating environments where everyone can thrive. As the Paralympic Games begin, let’s rally behind these incredible athletes, celebrate their victories, and ensure their stories are told with the same enthusiasm and respect that we have shown the Olympians. The journey of excellence continues, and it is one that everyone should be a part of. International Paralympic Committee International Olympic Committee – IOC #teamgb The National Lottery Community Fund #disabilty #spinalcordinjury #sport

Cathy Anderson, Curtis McGrath’s life story is really something. It’s hard not to be moved by his journey from suffering the amputation of his lower limbs during a military operation to becoming a two time Paralympic gold medalist. His resilience and determination are truly inspiring. I think one of the most powerful lessons from McGrath’s experience is how he embraced his challenges. Rather than letting his setbacks define him, he used them as a springboard for personal growth. It makes me think about how we all have our own struggles, and maybe instead of seeing them as obstacles, we could try to see them as opportunities to grow. Another thing that stands out is how he found his passion in sports. For McGrath, sport wasn’t just a way to compete, it was a form of healing and a source of motivation. It really underscores the importance of finding something that drives us, something that gives us purpose and keeps us moving forward, even when things get tough. Setting goals also played a huge role in his success. His clear vision and determination kept him on track and motivated. It’s a reminder of how powerful goal setting can be, not just for athletes but for anyone facing challenges in their life. And let’s not forget the importance of support. His journey shows how vital it is to have a network of mentors, teammates, and supporters. We often underestimate the impact of having people around us who believe in us and help us along the way. The Paralympics are more than just a series of events, they’re a platform for advancing conversations about inclusion and diversity. Watching these incredible athletes break barriers and achieve greatness helps challenge stereotypes and push for a more inclusive society. It’s inspiring to see how determination and support can lead to such amazing accomplishments, and it reminds us of the potential in everyone when given the right support and opportunities

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. 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

Humankind sets itself limitations all the time. But then someone comes along and reimagines what is possible. We have a whole team of Paralympians from Australia about to show us how they've reimagined what is possible on the world stage #ImagineWhatWeCanDo #ParalympicsAustralia #PublicisAustralia #LinkedInNewsAustralia

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.

Curtis McGrath's journey is a powerful testament to the strength of resilience, positivity, and the human spirit. His story demonstrates that even in the face of extreme adversity, it's possible to find a path forward and thrive. One key takeaway from McGrath's experience is the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even when life throws its hardest challenges at us. It's natural to feel overwhelmed by negative responses or setbacks, but these don't have to define our journey. Instead, they can serve as opportunities to reflect, regroup, and continue moving forward with renewed determination. I often remind myself of a simple yet profound analogy: If we desire something, a cup of coffee on the table in front of us, for instance, we can't just wish for it to come to us. We have to take action, get up, and reach for it. Similarly, in life, we must take proactive steps toward our goals, knowing that while we can't always control the outcomes, we can control our efforts. As long as we keep pushing forward, there is always hope for a positive result. McGrath's ability to shift his focus from what he had lost to what he could do is a powerful testament to the transformative power of mindset. In the midst of losing his limbs, he was already thinking about how he could use what he had left to build a new life. This shift from dwelling on loss to seeking out new possibilities is what propelled him from a place of despair to becoming a two-time Paralympic gold medalist. His story also highlights the importance of being open-minded and agile. McGrath didn't just accept his circumstances; he explored new avenues, like Paralympic sport, which he had never tried before. This willingness to step outside of his comfort zone and repeatedly strive for improvement is a key ingredient in his success and a valuable lesson for all of us. In every aspect of our lives, McGrath's story encourages us to hold onto hope, stay positive, and constantly push ourselves to do just a little bit more. No matter the obstacles we face, there is always the potential for something positive to emerge as long as we keep moving forward. Let McGrath’s journey remind us that with resilience and a positive mindset, we can turn our adversities into opportunities for growth. The right attitude combined with determined effort can make all the difference. #LinkedInNewsAustralia #Resilience #PositiveMindset #Reflect

The closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Paralympics will be held at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France, this Sunday. The Paralympic Games have grown into one of the world’s largest sporting events, attracting over 4,000 athletes from more than 160 nations. Held every four years after the Olympics, these Games celebrate the extraordinary talents of athletes with disabilities. Since their origin in 1948 as a small competition for British World War II veterans, the Paralympics have evolved into a major global event. The Paralympic Games are designed to celebrate the athletic achievements of participants, showcasing their skills and strengths. Today, the Summer Paralympic program includes 22 sports, while the Winter Paralympics feature six sports. A key element of the Paralympics is the classification system, which ensures fair competition by grouping athletes based on the nature of their disabilities. The Paralympic Games continue to grow and play a crucial role in challenging societal perceptions of disability. With each event, the achievements of Paralympic athletes affirm that sport is for everyone. Learn more about the Paralympic Games ➡️ https://w.wiki/3vtA

Ice Baths don’t win you Gold Medals! Resources matter, but they aren't everything. The latest gear and facilities can help, but in my journey to gold in 2008 and 2016, it was my mindset and my team that made the real difference. With the Olympics just ended and the Paralympics starting next week, it’s easy for athletes to compare their resources to others. The same applies in business—too often, we focus on things that aren't important. Keep it simple. Focus on what truly matters: your mindset, your team, and the process. The outcomes will follow. International Paralympic Committee South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee #mindset #paralympics #olympics #sportsmanagement #sportsdevelopment