Chuck Aoki, a renowned rugby wheelchair athlete and a three-time Paralympic medalist, has expanded his role to include that of an influencer within Team USA. Aoki is using social media to engage with audiences and promote Paralympic sports during the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris. As part of Team USA’s content creation team, Aoki is among a group of 10 personalities selected to generate interest and viewership during the Games.
The content creation team includes well-known athletes like Olympic gold medalist Tara Davis-Woodhall and three-time para snowboarding medalist Mike Schultz, as well as individuals from the entertainment industry. Their objective is not only to entertain fans but also to introduce adaptive sports to a broader audience, particularly the younger generation with disabilities, showcasing the excitement and opportunities available in these sports.
Through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the creators aim to educate, entertain, and spark curiosity among viewers about Paralympic sports. The diverse group of influencers covers a wide range of content, from lighthearted TikToks to informative Instagram reels explaining an athlete’s classification. While each creator has individual goals for their content, the overarching mission is to enhance visibility and representation of individuals with disabilities within the sports industry.
Influencers selected for the project, including Craig Conover from Bravo’s reality show “Southern Charm,” are leveraging the power of social media to increase exposure for the Paralympics. By showcasing diverse careers, lifestyles, and activities, they hope to inspire and engage audiences who may have previously been unaware of or underestimated the potential within adaptive sports.
Beyond the content creator group, Paralympians like Kaleo Kanahele Maclay and Bethany Zummo are actively reaching out to young people with disabilities, aiming to inspire and guide them towards exploring new opportunities in sports. Aoki, in particular, has received messages from individuals expressing how his social media presence has empowered them to consider participating in adaptive sports, highlighting the impact of social media in breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity within the sports community.
Through initiatives like the content creation team and individual outreach efforts, Paralympians and influencers are using social media as a powerful tool to advocate for disability visibility, promote inclusivity, and inspire the next generation of athletes with disabilities.
