British Paralympians, fresh from their successes at the Paris Games, looked forward to a grand evening after their celebratory visit with the King at Buckingham Palace.
However, what should have been a memorable night took a different turn when the athletes discovered that a lavish after-party at Fortnum & Mason, organized for Olympians, did not include them.
Disappointment Among Paralympians
Paralympians felt a wave of disappointment and exclusion as they realized that, unlike their able-bodied Olympic counterparts, they were not invited to the exclusive bash at the luxury department store.
Zac Shaw, a visually impaired sprinter who clinched silver in the mixed 4x100m and bronze in the 100m T12, openly expressed his frustration, calling the situation “hurtful and unfair.”
He added that Fortnum & Mason’s attempt to explain it away as a “communication failure” only deepened his feelings of injustice.
Shaw Reflects on the Exclusion
Shaw, 29, remarked, “It’s just hurtful. You encounter situations like this constantly—whether it’s with brands, prize money, or even hosting a Paralympic race.”
Shaw’s disappointment was amplified by the fact that he, along with other Paralympic medallists, had to head home while Olympic medallists enjoyed a four-hour after-party, complete with personalized champagne bottles.
Discovering the Oversight
Shaw first sensed something was wrong when a friend, an Olympic athlete, mentioned their plans to attend the Fortnum & Mason after-party.
Hoping they had just missed the invite, Shaw and his partner, Ali Smith—also a Paralympic sprinter—scoured their emails but found no invitation.
Left in the dark, Shaw reached out to Fortnum & Mason privately.
When he received no response, he took to social media, questioning why only Olympic medallists were invited to the exclusive event.
Fortnum & Mason’s Response
Responding to Shaw’s social media post, Fortnum & Mason acknowledged the oversight and apologized.
A spokesperson explained that the store’s space limitations prevented them from hosting both Olympic and Paralympic athletes simultaneously, though they intended to arrange a separate event for the Paralympians soon.
The spokesperson admitted to a “failure of communication,” adding, “We truly apologize and hope to make it up to you. Details of a separate celebration will be shared soon.”
Calls for Greater Equity
Hannah Cockcroft, a nine-time Paralympic champion in wheelchair racing, shared Shaw’s disappointment and voiced her concerns on social media.
Reflecting on her own experience, she wrote, “I remember being invited to Fortnum’s after London 2012—it was such a special experience.
It’s disheartening to see they’ve moved further from equity rather than leading the way.”
She also highlighted the significance of Paralympians’ achievements, reminding others that “our medals are just as special!”
Looking Ahead
As Fortnum & Mason plans to hold a separate reception, the incident has sparked broader discussions on equity and inclusivity in sports.
Paralympians like Shaw and Cockcroft hope that such events will pave the way for more inclusive celebrations that honor achievements across all athletic communities equally.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn