Published on January 30th, the second National Sports and Disability Strategy (SNSH) 2026-2030, presented by Marina Ferrari, Minister of Sports, and Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq, Minister Delegate for Autonomy and Disabled Persons, marks a pivotal moment for para-sports in France. With an annual budget of 40 million euros, this new roadmap focuses on three core objectives: encouraging participation, improving training in para-sports, and enhancing accessibility. While the strategy aligns with the momentum generated by the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, a closer look reveals a potential disconnect between ambition and the practical needs expressed by the French federations for handisport and adapted sport.
A New Roadmap: Ambition or Insufficiency?
Six years after the first strategy and a year and a half after the resounding success of the Paralympic Games, Minister of Sports Marina Ferrari acknowledged the significant work still needed to “convince people with disabilities that they can practice a sport.” She emphasized the necessity of “lifting the mental barrier.” This statement, while accurate, underscores the challenge of translating policy into widespread societal change. The €40 million annual budget is substantial, yet questions arise as to its allocation and whether it will genuinely address the systemic issues that have historically hindered para-sports development.
The strategy’s focus on “giving people the desire to participate” is commendable. However, the federations’ reservations suggest that the current approach might not be comprehensive enough. Dr. Antoine Dubois, a sociologist specializing in disability studies at the Sorbonne University in Paris, comments, “While awareness campaigns are crucial, they must be accompanied by concrete, easily accessible opportunities. Without a robust local infrastructure and trained personnel, desire alone is insufficient to drive sustained participation.”
The Legacy of Paris 2024: A Missed Opportunity?
The timing of this strategy, following the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, was expected to capitalize on increased public awareness and enthusiasm. Yet, the federations’ critiques imply that the strategy, despite its good intentions, might be playing catch-up rather than leading a transformative charge. “Paris 2024 provided an unparalleled platform to showcase para-sports,” states Marie Lefevre, president of the French Federation for Handisport. “We hoped for a strategy that would leverage this momentum with more radical, immediate actions, particularly in terms of grassroots development and equipment provision.”
One of the key arguments from the federations is that the strategy does not go “far enough.” This sentiment suggests a need for more aggressive targets, greater financial incentives for clubs and local authorities, and perhaps a more decentralized approach to implementation. The current strategy, while providing a national framework, may lack the granular detail and localized support necessary to reach every individual with a disability across France.
Accessibility: The Enduring Challenge
Improving accessibility is a cornerstone of the new strategy, a critical area where progress has been notoriously slow. While the strategy aims to enhance physical access to sports facilities, the broader concept of accessibility extends to transportation, information, and inclusive coaching. “True accessibility means removing all barriers, not just physical ones,” explains Professor Jean-Luc Moreau, an expert in urban planning and disability from the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-La Villette. “The strategy needs to articulate how it will address the complex interplay of these factors, ensuring that a person with a disability can not only reach a sports facility but also feel welcomed and fully integrated.”
The 40 million euro budget, when spread across all three objectives and over five years, raises concerns about the depth of impact it can achieve in such a multifaceted area. For instance, upgrading existing sports infrastructure to meet accessibility standards can be prohibitively expensive, and a national budget, however generous, may only scratch the surface of the actual need.
Training and Education: A Foundation for Growth
The emphasis on training in para-sports is another vital component. This includes educating coaches, physical therapists, and sports administrators on the specific needs and techniques of various para-sports. However, the effectiveness of this initiative hinges on the availability of qualified trainers and the establishment of robust training programs. “We need to invest heavily in human capital,” argues Dr. Dubois. “Without a dedicated, well-trained workforce, even the best facilities and equipment will remain underutilized.”
The strategy needs to outline concrete mechanisms for scaling up training programs, attracting new talent to the field, and providing continuous professional development. The federations’ concerns may stem from a perceived lack of detail in this area, fearing that the strategy might not adequately address the current shortage of specialized personnel.
The Road Ahead: Beyond 2024
The second National Sports and Disability Strategy 2026-2030 represents a commitment from the French government to further develop para-sports. However, its success will ultimately depend on its ability to translate policy into tangible outcomes. The criticisms from the federations are not merely dissenting voices; they are calls for a more ambitious, better-resourced, and more thoroughly implemented plan. The post-Paris 2024 era demands not just a strategy, but a revolution in how France approaches sports for people with disabilities.
The question remains: will this strategy be remembered as the turning point that truly transformed para-sports in France, or as another well-intentioned but ultimately insufficient step? The answer will lie in the coming years, as the effectiveness of its implementation is measured not just by budget allocation, but by the increased smiles, achievements, and inclusion of people with disabilities across the sporting landscape of France.
Source: https://www.lagazettedescommunes.com/1022556/sport-et-handicap-apres-paris-2024-une-nouvelle-strategie-nationale-pour-enfin-franchir-un-cap/
