„Ci wspaniali ludzie zmagają się z losem” – niepełnosprawni sportowcy w krzywym zwierciadle życia społecznego

Abstract

The aim of this paper is the reconstruction of public perception of the disabled athletes. The article shows the situation of disabled athletes in the context of the cultural, economic and social issues. The image of athletes with a disability created by the media is presented. The sport activity of disabled is still perceived as a form of entertainment and recreation, but not as a sports competition. In the paper the social marginalization of disabled athletes is emphasized. Furthermore it is shows that the disabled people are treated as a “freaks” who only pretend to the “real” and full-fledged athletes. This phenomenon fits into the broader context of social exclusion of people with disabilities.