Interest in adaptive sports skyrockets due to Paralympics

This summer's Paralympic Games in Paris have inspired a remarkable surge in public interest in adaptive sports with internet searches showing a significant increase across the board.

A new analysis has uncovered a dramatic rise in public interest in adaptive sports after an unforgettable Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 

Research carried out by Better, the largest charitable social enterprise in the United Kingdom, shows a surge of people searching for information, rules, and ways to get involved in adaptive sports such as Wheelchair Rugby, Para Athletics, and Sitting Volleyball.

Para Table Tennis, which starred the likes of Great Britain's 14-year-old Bly Twomey, now the youngest-ever medalist in table tennis, saw the biggest change with an astounding 4,468% rise in searches.

Para Athletics with a 2,800% increase and Wheelchair Rugby with a 1,625% increase were the other two highest rises.

Bly Twomey of Team Great Britain competing at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games. GETTY IMAGES

Here is the data: 

• Para Table Tennis –  4,468% increase
• Para Athletics –  2,800% increase
• Wheelchair Rugby – 1,625% increase
• Sitting Volleyball – 1,455% increase
• Para Cycling – 1,375% increase
• Para Triathlon – 954% increase
• Para Badminton – 753% increase
• Goalball – 593% increase
• Blind Football –  303% increase
• Para Swimming – 19% increase

These 10 sports also saw a collective Wikipedia rise of 942% indicating a surge in people wanting to learn more about each adaptive sport's history, how to play, and how to get involved.

These significant numbers demonstrate the success of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and the potential that the Paralympic Games have to inspire and encourage viewers.