After the success of the Olympic Games, it is time for the Paralympic Games. For ten days, Paris will host events reserved for disabled athletes. Intense competitions that will put the spotlight on sports practice by people with disabilities. Because beyond para-athletes, amateurs also need specific clothing and equipment.
Today, disability represents a significant and growing market: 26 million people have a disability in Europe and 70% of them express interest in sport.
The decathlon as a precursor
Decathlon is one of the pioneers in the field of clothing. The group launched into the sports segment for disabled people six years ago in Italy with its Adapt Sport range, which includes 50 items of adapted clothing and equipment.
Decathlon also collaborated with athletes to produce jogging pants that will be marketed at the end of the Paralympic Games. An inclusive unisex tracksuit, a model with easy-to-put-on hook-and-loop openings.
For the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Adidas adapted certain training clothes (shirt, pants) for Paralympic athletes based on their disciplines. They worked for two years with designers, technicians and a wheelchair basketball team. These outfits are now available in the brand’s catalogue.
Nike, meanwhile, launched the Flyease line of sneakers designed to be easy to put on and take off for people in wheelchairs. Zalando also marketed 14 mixed-tech garments. Suitable for people with disabilities to play sports.
The range of adapted clothing grows
This sports offer for the disabled, however, is more complicated to develop in terms of equipment for the consumer. Because the design requires a significant investment with dedicated teams working on various sports and types of pathologies. But also approval issues because certain equipment is considered medical equipment.
However, young companies are entering this niche, such as Hopper, which has been manufacturing racing paddles since 2021.
Two years ago, Decathlon developed wheelchairs for several disciplines: tennis, basketball, fencing and other adaptable ones. A French Paralympic athlete also uses one for fencing competitions. Models that can be found here cost around 2,300 euros, 30% cheaper than those found on this market.
As a result, in the first half of 2024, Decathlon increased its sales of armchairs by 53% compared to the first half of 2023.
Source: BFM TV
