Amanda Kotaja, wheelchair racer

“Athletes with disabilities experience discrimination and harassment. It can be a challenge to even take up a sport as a hobby. You might be told at the door that they are unwilling to take you. I know that there are plenty of children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities who haven’t been able to take up the hobby of their choice. Perhaps people are afraid, or don’t know how to interact with athletes who are different. It’s easier to say no than to do some research and make the necessary changes. Studies show that if you’re a woman and disabled, you are even more vulnerable to discrimination.

If human rights were better realized in sports, it would have a positive impact on many, many people’s lives. By doing so, we’d make the world a slightly better place.”