Feature Stories

Paralympic Games Ambassadors

Oct 16, 2008

The International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC)11 Paralympic Ambassadors are awe-inspiring. Made up of past and present Paralympians, the ambassadors were chosen by the IPC as they are positive role models who embody the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

For Esther Vergeer, Dutch five-time Paralympic gold medallist, being asked to be an ambassador was an honour and a good opportunity to promote Paralympic sports to a worldwide audience. Vergeer collected her Paralympic medals in singles and doubles wheelchair tennis at the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. She is also a former wheelchair basketball player, and although an exceptional athlete, Vergeer is incredulous that she’s considered a role model.

“Sometimes it is weird that people see me as something special,” admitted Vergeer. “At the same time I realize that it is not just the things that I am doing, but what I have overcome.”

The Paralympic Ambassador Program was created spread the message about the Paralympic Movement. Vergeer noted that it’s more than just about sport — it is about achieving goals and striving for excellence, no matter your situation in life, and regardless of any disability.

“Being an Ambassador gives me a chance not only to promote sports for persons with a disability in my own country, but also internationally,” said Vergeer. “As a group, we can make Paralympic sport more prominent and popular with athletes with a disability as well as able-bodied people.”

The message

The 11 Ambassadors first gathered in February 2008 at the IPC headquarters in Bonn, Germany with the aim of getting to know one another and learn more about their individual roles. Over the next few years, look for these athletes to speak at events, work with Paralympic education programs and appear in awareness campaigns.

Vergeer’s number one goal is to encourage others to follow her lead and to make a difference in their lives. “There are so many things in life you can’t control,” said Vergeer. “You are the one that has to decide what to do with the situation. It is not always about having a disability, but other things as well. Figure out for yourself what you want and then make it happen. If I can inspire people to start doing that, it is the greatest thing I can achieve.”