Facebook Thailand and the Thai Paralympic Committee today officially launched its online #SupportThaiParaHeroes campaign to encourage people to celebrate the Thai athletes competing at the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020 and show support for inclusion through its theme This is for Everyone*.
The Paralympics reflect a global celebration of human achievement and progress, as well as the potential of people when they come together, and the community-driven campaign reflects Facebook’s ongoing commitment to raise awareness on the power of diversity – regardless of abilities – and making sure everyone is included in communities, so we support and grow together to create real-world impact.
Available from today and in partnership with the Thai Paralympic Committee, people can interact with and support Thai athletes at the Paralympic Games in several ways across every Facebook app. These include:
- The brand new @ThaiParaHeros account on Instagram and #SupportThaiParaHeroes hashtag to help people share their support, as well as on the Facebook Thailand Country Page
- ‘Stories of Thai Paralympians’ – an art project curated by photography collective Sculpture Bangkok, famously known for their ‘photoautomat’ works that draw on nostalgia through the use of photo sticker booths
- This is for Everyone* #SupportThaiParaHeroes feature pack, including a special Facebook Profile Frame; three AR camera filters where people can write special messages to the athletes, and GIPHY ‘virtual automat’ stickers on Instagram to let Thais be part of the Games and cheer on Thai athletes as they perform without physical audiences
- The latest stats and insights on the Games and Thai Paralympics’ performances, alongside inspirational stories of the athletes and profiles on sporting communities for people with disabilities, starting from 24 August to 5 September.
The #SupportThaiParaHeroes campaign is also launching the This is for Everyone* Baseball Cap designed by Sculpture Bangkok in a minimalist style and available in two elegant colors (white and navy blue). Every purchase of the This is for Everyone* Baseball Cap will directly support disabled sports activities conducted under the Thai Paralympic Committee Foundation.
Chutinant Bhirombhakdi, President of the Thai Paralympic Committee, said, “We are incredibly excited to partner with Facebook to launch the #SupportThaiParaHeroes campaign and shine a light on Thai Paralympians, as well as acknowledge the efforts of the entire team – coaches, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and supporting staff – who allow our exceptional athletes to continually show their perseverance, spirit, and elite performance. We know the people of Thailand will truly be behind them during the 16th Paralympic Games, and this campaign will allow the whole country to cheer on our athletes and celebrate the power of diversity.”
Prae Dumrongmongcolgul, Country Director Facebook Thailand, added, “With the Paralympics set to begin in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, Facebook is incredibly proud to launch this campaign and bring more ways for local communities to support and celebrate our Thai athletes, who illustrate what people can achieve together through these inspiring Games.”
“Inclusion is integral to our vision at Facebook. Our continued work regarding accessibility is all about ensuring everyone can be a part of the communities and conversations on Facebook’s family of apps. For Facebook Thailand, this partnership with the Thai Paralympic Committee is part of our ongoing efforts to support marginalized communities and celebrate the power of connection.”
The launch of #SupportThaiParaHeroes coincides with the announcement of Facebook’s global initiatives for The Paralympics. In support of the #WeThe15 campaign, Facebook has worked with the International Paralympic Committee to launch a documentary-style film series which explores four disabled communities around the world and looks at how sport has created a positive change for them. The films aim to raise awareness about the 15% of the global population that live with a disability and demonstrate the power sport can have in changing attitudes around the world.
Learn more about the This is for Everyone* #SupportThaiParaHeroes campaign at the new @ThaiParaHeroes Instagram account and Facebook Thailand Country Page. The four #WeThe15 films are also available to watch with Thai subtitles at facebook.com/FacebookThailand/posts/368808974780450 and at facebook.com/Paralympics.
