Adam Hills

1. Why do you think disability sport should be at the forefront of the media?​​

​I think Disability Sport is like a good magic trick. The sport distracts you from the process of learning about disability. The Paralympics is a great example. People begin by seeing disabled people playing sport, but eventually ignore the disability and realise they are watching elite athletes. Then before they know it, they realise that disability isn't as restrictive as people think it is. In fact, a lot of able-bodied people watch disabled sport and then realise that their own restrictions aren't as great as they thought. As much as Para-athletes hate the term "inspiring", when people see disabled people playing sport and playing it really well, it inspires them to test their own boundaries. Plus, coverage of Disability Sport lets disabled people know there are ways and means for them to take part in sport as well. It's a win-win-win all round ! *

2. How do you think the media should spread the message of disability sport to the general public?

The best way to spread the message of disability sport is to treat it as sport and not a novelty. Viewers and readers like to watch good competition. It doesn't matter the sport, or the gender, or the ability of the players - people like watching a competitive game. Phrases like "just being out on the field is a victory" don't help anyone. because for most of the athletes, players, and competitors, "just being out on the field" isn't actually enough. they want to win! The secret of covering disability sports in the media is to cover the sport first, and the disability second.

3. Where do you see disability sport in the future?

The "Para" in Paralympics stands for "parallel". That's where I'd like to see disability sport in the future - parallel to able-bodied sport. Eventually it'll all just be different categories of "sport", and disability won't even be a term. Also, as technology improves, disability sport will become faster, and more exciting.

4. Have you taken part in any disability sports? If so which?

I was asked to trial for the Paralympics when I was a kid, but didn't because I didn't think I was disabled enough. If only I knew about categories, and how cool the Paralympics would become! I've recently found out about a Physical Disability Rugby League competition in Australia though, and am very keen to see if I can take part. I grew up playing Rugby League against kids with two legs, but I'd love to get involved in playing against people like me. If not, I also want to help promote the sport. There are people in the UK that I'm going to meet up with, to see if we can start up a similar thing. I'm actually quite excited by it!