Much has changed since Willis-Roberts, a vision-impaired athlete, made her Paralympic debut in Seoul 1988, but there is still so far to go in how we perceive and promote para-athletes.

Internationally, the landscape is changing. Para-athletes compete for medals, rather than exhibition, in some Commonwealth Games disciplines and the 2018 Gold Coast Games will feature 38 medal events across seven sports with 45 per cent more para-athletes in action than Glasgow 2014.

Willis-Roberts contested six Paralympic Games, debuting in team sport goal ball but chalking up seven medals in discus and shot put, including two shot put gold. She says gradually Paralympians are being perceived as athletes rather than people with a disability competing in an event.

Major sporting bodies do a lot of work in the promotion of para-athletes.

A lot comes back to community perception, in our grassroots games.

The Minerdome showcourts were the battleground for passionately contested basketball games with finals-like intensity on Wednesday morning.

This was tournament day for Phoenix College senior sports students and Ballarat Specialist School middle and senior students.

The past eight weeks they had teamed up in Basketball Victoria’s JUMP program, in which students from a mainstream secondary college and special school for children with an intellectual disability. Together they learn how to referee, coach, play and analyse basketball. 

Junior United Mentoring Program aims for students in both schools to interact with other students they may otherwise have no opportunity to do so.

Phoenix College sport and recreation teacher Danny Hay was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the maturity shown in his students, year 10s and 11s, stepping up and answering the call in mentoring roles.

“They’re developing relationships as well as leadership skills out there,” Hay said. “They took it upon themselves to identify students who might need a little more help to get the ball and modified the rules to suit. They’ve taken the time to get to know the Specialist School students.”

Sport was their common ground. A starting point. But the experience challenges Phoenix students’ perceptions of people living with a disability.

They have an opportunity now to help break down societal barriers not just in sporting arenas, but also in the broader community – speaking up for what is possible and also for inclusiveness.

Rio 2016’s theme is ‘every body has a heart’. 

Paralympians are at the pinnacle of sport. They are pushing the boundaries and striving to achieve their best in incredible, strength, speed and skill. Like any able-bodied athlete, reaching the highest levels takes drive, commitment and sacrifice to qualify, let alone reach the world’s biggest stages.

 Time to pay more attention – and not just on Rio.