Mauro Roberto Chekin, the municipal secretary of Sports, Leisure and Youth for São Caetano do Sul, is facing widespread criticism following his remarks during a public hearing at the city council. During the session, Chekin characterized the inclusion of people with disabilities in sports as a 'problem' and stated he personally 'cannot' work with this demographic. His comments have been met with strong condemnation from both the Ministry of Sports and the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, which labeled his statements as ableist and discriminatory.
The controversy began when Chekin responded to questions from councilwoman Bruna Biondi regarding inclusion policies. He cited specific challenges, such as accommodating a child with autism in a swimming class, describing the situation as a 'very big problem.' He detailed an instance where a mother sought to enroll her daughter, who uses diapers, in a swimming lesson, raising logistical concerns about specialized swimwear and the child's reaction to noise.
Chekin further elaborated on his personal experience, recalling a time during his physical education studies when he felt overwhelmed. He stated that his 'psychological and physical condition is very fragile for this type of thing,' implying that not all professionals are equipped or willing to handle such responsibilities. He argued that while inclusion is a duty of the state, it is not a personal obligation he can enforce upon individual professionals.
Councilwoman Biondi immediately challenged his perspective, drawing a parallel to education. She argued that refusing to include children with disabilities is akin to a teacher refusing to teach a student with a disability, which constitutes discrimination. She emphasized that providing inclusive services is part of the professional duty for anyone working for the state, whether in the public or private sector.
The Ministry of Sports issued a forceful statement repudiating Chekin's 'deeply ableist' remarks. The ministry stressed that Brazilian sport must be a space of inclusion, diversity, respect, and dignity for all. It highlighted Brazil's advanced legislation protecting the rights of people with disabilities and announced it would contact the São Caetano do Sul city government to offer technical guidance and materials on inclusive practices.
The Brazilian Paralympic Committee also condemned the statements as 'discriminatory and inadmissible.' The committee underscored that inclusion is a constitutional and civilizational right that all public agents must defend. Notably, it pointed out that São Caetano do Sul has a historical connection to the national Paralympic movement, having served as a training hub for Brazilian Paralympic athletics and swimming teams before the construction of the national training center in São Paulo.
In response, the São Caetano do Sul city government issued a statement affirming its 'historic commitment' to inclusion policies. It cited recent investments, such as the inauguration of the Cuidar complex for inclusion and rehabilitation, and partnerships with institutions like the APAE and AACD. The administration acknowledged that the topic of inclusion requires 'constant evolution' and that 'errors, although unforgivable, are understandable given the complexity and importance of this agenda.'
Based on reporting from g1.