Two online debates were arranged by the CPB, with the organisation’s President Mizael Conrado among those to participate.

He was joined by Paralympic sprinters Verônica Hipólito, Yohansson Nascimento and Fabrício Ferreira, swimmers Roberto Alcalde and Susana Schnarndorf, and para-taekwondo athlete Débora Menezes.

YouTuber Fred and digital influencer Isa Meirelles joined the conversation, which was led by journalist Renato Peters and presenter Flávio Canto.

"We seek to reduce the physical distance that this period requires with these online events to convey to athletes and people with disabilities the message that sport is the main tool for transforming life and social inclusion,” said Conrado, a two-time Paralympic football champion.

"We congratulate all Paralympic athletes for being that inspiring agent to so many people."

The first live debate was titled "Overcoming is a hell", with the athletes discussing their view on the use of the word "overcoming" by people and the media.

The athletes also discussed how they believe society can improve the treatment of people with disabilities on a daily basis.

"Actions like these are very important. I still see some suspicious looks for people with disabilities," said Nascimento, a Paralympic and World Championship medallist.

"It's still a big dilemma in my life. It still annoys us a little because they put our disability first in front of my achievements."

The second debate was centred around "Sport as a tool for transformation", with discussion focusing on the importance of inclusion and education through sport.

CPB technical director Alberto Martins da Costa invited people with disabilities to try Paralympic sport, citing the website tab “I want to be a Paralympic athlete”.

The website tab allows interested parties to find the club or association closest to their home to enable them to join and start in Paralympic sport.

The discussions were shown on the official CPB profiles on Facebook, TikTok and on the organisation’s YouTube channel, with the broadcasts reportedly reaching 35,000 people.

CPB said the organisation has celebrated Paralympic Athlete Day since 2018 which this year was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to events being held online.

The first edition of the festival was held in 48 cities with the participation of more than 7,000 children, while 70 venues and over 10,000 children took part last year.