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Charlotte Henshaw and Emma Wiggs at Tokyo 2020
Charlotte Henshaw and Emma Wiggs rejoice as they win gold and silver respectively in the women’s kayak single 200m KL2in Tokyo. Photograph: ParalympicsGB/PA
Charlotte Henshaw and Emma Wiggs rejoice as they win gold and silver respectively in the women’s kayak single 200m KL2in Tokyo. Photograph: ParalympicsGB/PA

Paralympics team embodies what it means to be British

This article is more than 2 years old

Peter Wells says the athletes put on a wonderful display of ability, inclusion and diversity

There has been much discussion as to what it means to be British and what we can be proud of. In the past, being British was built on white Christian imperialism, needing to inform the rest of the world how “great” Britain was. We know that in many ways this is a deeply flawed and false idealism. However, the ParalympicsGB team has shown us what being British is really all about (GB finishes ‘rollercoaster’ Paralympics with medal haul that beats London 2012, 5 September). It put on a wonderful display of ability, inclusion and diversity. Being proud of diversity can make us all feel that we want to belong. Belonging and connection are key to identity.

Along with Team GB at the Olympics, and your reporting, we can see and feel what it means to belong, what it means to be connected and be proud of our diversity and know that everyone belongs, whatever your ability.
Peter Wells
Brighton

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