Marc Fortier’s Post

If you're not familiar with the history of the Paralympics, this article is a great read about its inception and the importance of the incredible competition we have today. #AmeriHealthInsiders

Last week, the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics & Paralympics released a report titled "Passing the Torch - Modernizing Olympic, Paralympic, & Grassroots Sports in America." The report touches on a wide range of topics, from support for grassroots initiatives, to the Olympic bid process to the role and independence of the Athletes' Commission. Several findings focus on the state of the American Safe Sport system and the challenges faced by the U.S. Center for SafeSport since it was established in 2017. While still in the process of a detailed consideration of the 277 page report, an initial review highlights numerous lessons learned and parallels that are applicable within the Canadian context, particularly as we continue to navigate the Abuse-Free Sport structure. Notably, a key recommendation highlights that the American system has a structural weakness in their governance model and funding mechanism, with a reliance on user fees paid by national sport governing bodies to support the SafeSport operations, resulting in potential incentives for organizations to deter participants from coming forward with complaints of misconduct. This structure undermines the trust in the independence and accountability of the entire system. In recommending that the U.S. Center be structured as an independent agency which is directly (and fully) funded by the federal government, the Commission notes that “...if athletes’ safety is as much a public value as fair competition, SafeSport needs to have public support.” More to come. https://www.csusop.org/ #safeguarding #safesport #linkedinsports

As a field hockey 🏑 player at Maryland (yep! GO TERPS! 🐢), I learned about the concept of "perceived pressure"—when an opponent is near but not close enough to actually impact your play. You feel the pressure, but much of it is just in your head. Life’s limitations often work the same way. We convince ourselves we can't do something without even trying, setting up our own barriers. But here’s the thing: those limitations are like that distant opponent—more imagined than real. Take Paralympians, for example. These athletes don’t just push boundaries; they shatter them. Despite facing challenges most of us can only imagine, they redefine what’s possible with every race, jump, or throw. Look at athletes like Tatyana McFadden - professional, who has won multiple gold medals across five Paralympic Games; Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old armless archer from India who hit a bullseye on her first shot; or Zakia Khudadadi, who won the first medal for the Refugee Paralympic Team despite facing unimaginable obstacles. Their accomplishments are a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and refusing to let perceived pressure or limitations dictate their potential. With just a few days left in the Paralympics, I encourage you to tune in and witness the power, athleticism, and talent of these incredible competitors. They’re living proof that perceived limitations are just that—perceived. So, what’s your “distant opponent” or your “perceived pressure?” How is it holding you back, and what can you do to rewrite the story you’re telling yourself? If Paralympians can achieve greatness by overcoming unimaginable odds, maybe it’s time we all re-evaluate the limitations we place on ourselves. United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games International Olympic Committee – IOC International Paralympic Committee #paralympics #limitations

#Paralympic athletes have so much to teach me about how to show up every at work and in life generally. Here are a few lesson's I'm applying from what I've watched so far: -Showing up is the first step to facing any challenge. -When faced with a problem that doesn't yet have a solution, create one. -Never say never. -Most people want you to succeed. Work with those who do and ignore those who don't. And there are so many more. As a one-armed competitive athlete in my middle/high school years, I can't believe I never knew about or paid attention to the Paralympics. I could have learned so much! I won't make that mistake again. Thankfully, I was embraced by the athletes I trained with in softball and tennis. Problem-solving was the first step to learning both sports. After that, it was practice, hard work, blood, sweat, and tears. Just like my two-handed teammates. This year, I'm making a point of watching the Paralympics with my family. I love seeing my kids faces when they watch athletes accomplish amazing feats of athleticism and strength. And when they hear the stories the athletes had to overcome to get to Paris. It's awesome and it's a reminder of the unique ingenuity we humans possess to overcome so many obstacles. Make some time in your calendar to watch the #Paralympics! You won't regret it. https://lnkd.in/g6DNpha9

Transport - Olympic & Paralympic Games. Planing transportation for any Olympic & Paralympic Games is tough. A ton of moving parts that all have to be in sync for the transport plan to succeed. As the City of Los Angeles gears up for the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic a Summer Games, it's imperative that the United States government lends its support to ensure seamless transport planning and operations. Here's a video of the US Secretary of Transportation explaining to the US Congress Subcommittee on Transportation about the importance of its collaboration with the LA28 Organizing Committee, the City of Los Angeles, and CALDOT which is essential to guaranteeing efficient movement of athletes, spectators, and goods, showcasing the US's commitment to hosting world-class events while enhancing infrastructure and mobility for all. #LA28 #Olympics #Paralympics #TransportPlanning

The Olympic and Paralympic games have a special way of reminding us that we can literally do ANYTHING we dedicate our hearts and minds to. In our personal lives, the "journey to gold" looks different for every single one of us. No matter what, we all have the ability to create and implement a winning formula that'll help us achieve our goals. In the spirit of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games, we challenge you to carve out some time to define YOUR vision (i.e. what do you want to win gold in?) and to come up with YOUR winning formula (i.e. what actions will you take to make it happen?). Check out this 2016 article from our Founder, Keenan Harrell to get you started! https://lnkd.in/eqvhBeyz

The Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in Paris will be the quadrennial chance for athletes representing the United States to win medals on the biggest global stage possible — and it comes at a time where the ability to chase Olympic legend status can be hard financially, which has led to a revamping of how national governing bodies are allocated resources in the post-pandemic landscape.

U.S. Sport Policy- important report 👇 This important report was released this week – the Commission on the State of the US Olympics and Paralympics https://www.csusop.org/ Embedded are many important conversations about the quality of the U.S. sport system for all that implications for what many of us do and how in the U.S..

Ice Baths don’t win you Gold Medals! Resources matter, but they aren't everything. The latest gear and facilities can help, but in my journey to gold in 2008 and 2016, it was my mindset and my team that made the real difference. With the Olympics just ended and the Paralympics starting next week, it’s easy for athletes to compare their resources to others. The same applies in business—too often, we focus on things that aren't important. Keep it simple. Focus on what truly matters: your mindset, your team, and the process. The outcomes will follow. International Paralympic Committee South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee #mindset #paralympics #olympics #sportsmanagement #sportsdevelopment

Olympics vs. Paralympics: A Budgetary Reflection It's fascinating how outcomes often defy expectations: 🔔 Olympics: ₹500 crore budget Medals: 0 Gold, 1 Silver, 5 Bronze🥇🥈🥉 🔔 Paralympics: ₹20 crore budget Medals: 3 Gold, 5 Silver, 7 Bronze 🥇🥈🥉 When you compare the budgets and the results, it raises a compelling question: 🙋 Are we investing our resources where they truly make the most impact? Despite having only a fraction of the budget, our Paralympians brought home a much richer haul of medals. 1️⃣ What does this say about grit, determination, and the power of belief? ⏩ I'd love to hear your thoughts on this 2️⃣ Should we rethink our priorities and how we allocate resources in sports? 3️⃣ What lessons can we learn from these athletes who achieved so much with so little? #Olympics #Paralympics #Sports #BudgetVsOutcome #Inspiration Follow Deepak Yadav