Superhuman Day
Every September 7th is observed as Superhuman Day. This day honors individuals with disabilities who regularly overcome the challenges placed before them. It’s estimated that 25% of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled at some point before they retire.
The chances of the average person developing a disability are increasing all the time. This can be due to accidents, but can also be due to heart disease, cancer, back injuries, and other illnesses. That’s why this holiday should not only be observed by people with disabilities but by everyone.
The History of Superhuman Day
The Paralympic Games can be traced back to the 1940s when a group of British WWII veterans with spinal cord injuries organized the first competition for disabled athletes. However, it wouldn’t be until 1960 that the first “official” Paralympic Games were held.
This event featured 400 athletes from 23 countries. Ever since, it has been observed every four years and has become the largest sporting event for disabled athletes. This holiday was first created in 2016 by a media company known as Channel 4.
They created the holiday to highlight the athletes who participated in the Summer Paralympic Games. In conjunction with this holiday, they also created a media campaign to acknowledge these athletes and their achievements.
Although it was thought that this holiday was meant to be a one-off day for 2016, it has been observed every year since as a holiday to honor those who have faced adversity and have emerged stronger.
Observing Superhuman Day
This is a day to learn more about Paralympic athletes and their achievements. It’s also a good day to honor anyone who has had to overcome a physical or mental disability in their life. We encourage people to spread the news about this holiday online using the hashtag #SuperhumanDay.