With Few Setbacks, Rio Paralympics Deemed Overall Success
The Rio Olympic Park passed its own litmus test during the Paralympic Games, which saw nearly 170,000 people a day, thousands with a type of disability or reduced mobility.
No complaints over lack of organization were voiced during the event, which was deemed an overall success.
A large part of the problems cited by two dozen fans interviewed by Folha made reference to a lack of accessibility, such as missing or nonexistent ramps, bathrooms with irregular support bars, jeopardized views in reserved areas and the difficulties experienced by those in wheelchairs and others with restricted movement near the competitions sites.
Among the general public, complaints were more frequent in regards to misinformed volunteers who failed to assist with seat identification, public transit lines encountered upon leaving events and the fee for a bottle of water, R$ 8 (US$ 2.45), as well as R$ 10 (US$ 3) for a soft drink, seen on the competition sites.
Another source of discontent was the lack of information about the physical and sensory condition of the athletes.
"But, there's nothing wrong with these guys. They're all in great shape," said retiree Clarice Nunes from Rio during the swimming competition for visually impaired athletes.
The general sentiment, however, was that the country reached a milestone in inclusivity. Such was the conclusion drawn by journalist Flávia Cintra, 42, who is quadraplegic.
"To see everything running smoothly, to be a part of that world full of people engaged in the games and to feel part of such an important development was truly a privilege."
Translated by SUGHEY RAMIREZ