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We want the Outsider to appreciate the tremendous influence that Paralympic
sport has on opportunities for all persons with a disability, and we are
concentrating much of our current efforts on this area called Development.
We want the Outsider to observe an organisation that advocates for the rights
of people with a disability on a world-wide basis.
We want the Outsider to know that as a result of having hosted various
Paralympic Summer and Winter Games, cities have been left with a legacy, of
world class transit systems accessible to people with a disability, as well as the
removal of barriers which prevent people with a disability from independence
and quality of life. We want our legacies to include the increased awareness and
promotion of education, employment, housing and transportation; but, most of
all, of attitude.
We want the Outsider to see a cohesive structure based on the principle of
solidarity and unity, and we want the Outsider to observe an organisation that
promotes unity and solidarity, both internally and externally.
We want the Outsider to observe an exciting product.
We want to be observed as high profile and marketable. For it is marketability
that increases public awareness and profile. It is profile that nurtures influence.
It is influence that advances the cause of all people with a disability.
And, finally, we want the Outsider to observe just how successful we have
been as an organisation and a movement. This is not to suggest that we do not
recognise the challenges that face us. This is not to say that we trivialise some
of the serious indiscretions with which we have been faced and with which we
have had to deal. But, this is to say that above all, we are, in the final analysis,
a monumental success.
I think back to Sir Ludwig Guttman, founding father of the Paralympic
movement in post-war Britain in 1948, and the challenges he faced with his
16 athletes and a blueprint for rehabilitation. And I imagine how proud he would
be today if he could observe the fruits of the seeds planted by himself and other
pioneers since.
That is what I want the Outsider to observe.
(i) What Must Happen to Achieve this View?
We now must turn to the inevitable question: what must happen to achieve this
ideal view? First of all, I believe we must create a Vision and Mission upon which
we can focus to attain our goals. We must maintain a respect for Athletes and to
recognise our Athletes. We must maintain an advocacy-based organisation in
which have been integrated respective Commissions for focus on various areas of
operational involvement. We must be a compassionate organisation, which prides
itself on demonstrating those qualities of Trust, Tolerance and Understanding. We
must be an equitable organisation. We must be an educational organisation who
promotes Development and Communication world-wide. We must be a strong
and united organisation respectful of our relationships and partnerships, our
liaisons with the IOC, the International Federations, the United Nations and other
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