Many non-disabled people think that people with intellectual disabilities cannot be athletes let alone Olympians. This is a perception we were striving to change through the content showcased at the opening ceremony.

We set about raising expectations of what is possible for people with intellectual disabilities and also to inspire a nation to achieve greatness in whatever they do regardless of them being disabled or non-disabled.

 

From direct experience, we know that people with intellectual disabilities possess many incredible qualities that are often associated with being necessary to achieve greatness in certain fields. It is only because the stigma that surrounds intellectual disability that makes it trickier for non-disabled people to realise this. For example, many people with autism have incredible minds and are super precise so they make incredible musicians!

 

People with Down Sydrome have very flexible bodies and so they naturally make great dancers. It is because of this we devised a Creative Brief that looks at the Artistry within athletes and the athleticism within artists.