A number of opinions have emerged in sporting and social spheres regarding the advisability of merging the Paralympics with the Olympic Games, taking advantage of the extensive infrastructure of the event that attracts the largest number of athletes and countries worldwide.

But for the head of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) , Brazilian Andrew Parsons, this is not the right idea, as the two events serve different purposes. When Inside the Games asked him this week in Paris about the potential benefits of merging the events to take advantage of the mega-structure and coverage of the Olympic Games in the future, he was quick to assert that "keeping the two events separate is not just a matter of logistics, but of purpose and legacy".

"I think the current model is the best, and I'll explain: The Paralympic Games are the only event in the world where people with disabilities are at the centre of everything. You can think about politics, art, business, everything. It's a sporting event called the Paralympic Games," says one of the leading figures in the Paralympic movement."

His position is clear: "The independence of the Paralympic Games is crucial to keep the focus on people with disabilities."

In a similar vein, IOC President Thomas Bach said at Friday's press conference. "Regardless of the logistical challenges with almost 15,000 athletes, the International Paralympic Committee has made it very clear that they prefer the Paralympics as we have it now to be a stand-alone event where these great athletes can really show their human power and perseverance. Therefore, we have no reason to change this order as we are following the clear wishes of the IPC."

As well as being a sporting event, the Paralympic Games are a powerful platform for promoting inclusion and human rights, as Parsons points out. "It's a platform to make social progress in the disability inclusion or human rights movement. I mean, the moment we are diluted within the Olympic Games, we believe we lose some of that strength and that's why we prefer to keep them separate".

Parsons added, "If in 50 years the situation is different in terms of inclusion, globally, then those who are leading the Paralympic and Olympic movements at that time will have to consider it. But for now, I don't think it's the best decision for the disability movement. Because the foundation is different," argues the South American.

According to its head, the Paralympic Movement's goal goes beyond sport, and he makes this abundantly clear. "We are looking for inclusion, in addition to sport. We want to leave a legacy in the city and in people's minds. The goal of the Paralympic Movement is not just a sporting event".

This approach is also reflected in the vision of the Games as a crossroads between sport and purpose. "We are at the intersection of sport and purpose. Paralympic sport has to be something that people want to watch. They want to go online, they want to watch on TV, they want to buy a ticket to go to a competition. It has to be something exciting, but at the same time people need to know that there's a legacy, there's a social movement behind it, there's a grassroots movement behind it," added Parsons, speaking to Inside the Games at the Paris Media Centre.

Among his arguments in defence of the current separation of the two Games, he offers a practical example of Paralympic host cities. "Paris was a different city for people with disabilities. If you compare where they were in 2017 when they won the host city bid, where they are today and where they will be in 4, 5 or 6 years, it's an incredible change. And that's what we want with the Paralympic Games," he said, emphasising how hosting the Games can be a driver of lasting change.

"Change is already happening. For example, buses in Paris are now 100% accessible. That wasn't the case before the Games. All ground transport is also accessible; that wasn't the case before either," said the 47-year-old from Rio de Janeiro.

He also pointed out that the Paralympic Games are not an end point, but a catalyst for continuous change. "The Paralympic Games, this is very important, are not an end point. It's important. It's about thousands of years of attitudes that have not been inclusive," reflects the International Paralympic Movement leader.

When asked about how this promised change has played out at previous Olympic Games, particularly in his home city of Rio de Janeiro after the 2016 Games, Parsons said: "This change isn't exclusive to Paris. Rio de Janeiro, host of the 2016 Paralympic Games, has also seen significant progress. For example, in the transport system, the BRT, the metro and, most importantly, in changing attitudes. Paralympic sport was already well known in Brazil. The Paralympic Movement was recognised as a high-level sports movement, but it also aims to bring about change in society".

Finally, he highlights the social and legal legacy that the Paralympic Movement and the Games can leave in a society. "In Brazil, as a result of the Paralympic Games, the Statute of Persons with Disabilities was passed in 2015. It's a law that affects sport, employment, accessibility, social aspects, security - in short, every aspect of a person's life. These are the legacies we are seeking with the Paralympic Games, to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities".

"We are looking for a change in laws, a change in attitudes and a change in infrastructure. These are the three pillars. That's why we think it's important to have both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. If there is ever a merger between the two in the future, it won't be under my leadership," concluded Parsons.