Ann Lindroth: Paralympics Can Inspire All
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Ann Lindroth, the Bermuda Paralympic Association [BPARAS] president, believes the inspiring performances of athletes at the Paralympic Games is driving society towards greater inclusivity.
Lindroth, who has travelled to Paris for the Paralympics starting tomorrow [August 28], said the Games challenge deep-rooted beliefs about people with disabilities and can significantly improve the self-esteem of the athletes.
Competing across 549 medal events in 22 sports, around 4,400 athletes are expected to compete in Paris, including a record 1,983 females and more medal events for women than ever before.
“The Paralympics can have a huge impact on the athletes who compete in them,” Lindroth told Bernews.
“These guys are athletes – they’re not thinking for one minute about their disabilities. And they’re proud of it!
“Hopefully, the confidence their sporting success brings can cross over to other aspects of their lives – their social life, working life.
“Through para-sport, these athletes are battling through to more inclusive opportunities in life.”
Bermuda will be represented in Paris by Jessica Lewis in athletics and Yushae DeSilva-Andrade in boccia, both of whom Lindroth described as outstanding ambassadors for para-sport on the island.
“I believe the acceptance of people with disabilities has improved since we began participating in the Paralympics,” said Lindroth, who is attending her eighth Paralympics as president.
“People are starting to recognise the incredible talent these athletes possess.”
Jessica Lewis, a prominent figure in Bermudian sports for many years, will become a four-time Paralympian in Paris.
DeSilva-Andrade, who competed in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, has also delivered superb displays at the international level and is ranked fourth in the world in her division.
“It’s not easy to be competitive at the Paralympic level,” Lindroth emphasised. “There’s a significant amount of travel and funding required for our athletes to continue to deliver strong performances on the world stage.”
Since the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta, Bermuda has been represented at every Games. Alongside Lewis and DeSilva-Andrade, Bermuda’s Paralympians have included equestrians Kirsty Anderson, Phyllis Harshaw, and Alexander Mitchell.
Looking ahead, Lindroth believes Bermuda could have three Paralympians at the Los Angeles Games in 2028, with Lewis, DeSilva-Andrade, and boccia player Omar Hayward potentially representing the island.
“Jessica is definitely aiming for LA,” Lindroth said, “and Boccia is a sport you don’t age out of—it can be a lifetime sport. Omar is very close to qualifying in the BC1 male division; he narrowly missed a spot for Paris.”
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