Ex-Para-Alichthlet Mathias Mester
“Inclusion is when everyone is allowed to participate!”
Mathias Mester is committed to more inclusion and is currently supporting “piece of luck”, an initiative for including playgrounds.
Mathias Mester (38) was one of the best paras athletes in Germany for years. In the javelin throw he became world and European champions several times, and he won paralympics silver in the shot put. Today he is best known from television, including through “Let’s Dance” and “The Great Promibacks”.
Mester uses his fame to reduce prejudices and promote inclusion. He is currently supporting the “Rewe” initiative by Rewe, Procter & Gamble (P&G) and the Aktion Mensch, which builds including playgrounds throughout Germany. Since 2018, more than 55 playground projects have been implemented – thanks to around 3.5 million euros in donations. “I am pleased to be able to use my reach for topics that advance society,” says Mester in an interview and talks about the greatest challenges on the way to more inclusion.
Only every fifth playground is at least partially barrier -free or has including play equipment. Why should including playgrounds have a higher priority in urban and community design?
Mathias Mester: Of course, this is a question of inclusion, which unfortunately still receives far too little attention in our society. It is so important that all children can play together. It is also a question of appreciation. Inclusion is when everyone is allowed to participate and nobody stays behind.
What measures are necessary to make playgrounds accessible to all children?
Mester: The most important thing is that all children can play together and self -determined in an inclusive playground, find variety and suitable challenges. This is made possible by areas with accessible fall protection made of rubber instead of sand or wood chips, through diverse play equipment that address different senses and offer different entrances and exits, by ramps and slides with different heights and tendencies or by rocking with different seating options.
You are actively committed to inclusion. What does the term mean for you personally?
Mester: For me, inclusion is a step towards normal. I find it rather sad that you still have to talk about children or people with disabilities. It should be a matter of course, we should just live it – and best from the start.
Where do you currently see the biggest hurdles for an inclusive company in Germany?
Mester: That you don’t dare! That you still go to the top (politics, economy) the old middle ground so as not to go wrong. It works somehow, but to get to success together, is much bigger and more beautiful. Everyone learns from each other and thus come to greater success.
They inspire many people with their offensive, humorous handling of their small growth. Have you always dealt with your disability so humorously?
Mester: I think that kind of self -protection was created in my childhood. When other jokes have made because of my size, I usually shot a joke afterwards to take the wind out of the sails. Or that you didn’t laugh at me, but laughed at everyone through your own joke. With fun you get a lot further in life and don’t make it that difficult. Fun connects!
How do you deal with it when you are constantly reduced to your size?
Mester: Very relaxed. It always depends on whom it comes from and how it is meant. Most of them are children. Although children are very honest and rather ask questions. I prefer that much when the parents simply pull away the children and forbid the children to look at me. Simply open to each other, respectful and helpful.
In the meantime, through their public appearances and TV shows, they are almost better known than through their sport. Does that annoy you?
Mester: Of course that is a shame that a Paralympics victory or world championship title, except in football in Germany, unfortunately does not get the recognition that all athletes deserved. After sport, a new era started for me: the time as an active athlete cannot be compared to my current life. I think it’s great that I can use my reach to provide more attention when it comes to the topics that are really important. Like my commitment to the “Fortunately” initiative. Here, each one can easily support you shopping: With every purchase of a P&G product at REWE, a cent flows into the project.
What do you advise young people with disabilities who want to go their own way – be it in sports or in other areas?
Mester: Always do what you want. Do not be persuaded that you are different due to a disability or you can’t do something. You can do everything – everyone in their own way!
Many people are afraid to do something wrong when they hit a person with disabilities. What can you give this way?
Mester: Go to each other openly, respectfully and helpful. Barriers often arise first in the mind.
Spotonnews
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
