Refugee Paralympic Team Prepares for Paris 2024
The Refugee Paralympic Team (RPT) for Paris 2024 features eight athletes and one sighted guide, competing in six sports. Notable returning athletes include Ibrahim Al Hussein and Zakia Khudadadi, alongside several newcomers. Their personal stories of resilience highlight the challenges faced by refugees, aiming to inspire others through their participation in the Games.
The Refugee Paralympic Team (RPT) is poised for success at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games following a memorable performance at the previous Olympic Games. This prestigious event will feature the largest RPT to date, comprised of eight athletes and one sighted guide, all of whom are refugees competing in six different sports: Para athletics, Para powerlifting, Para table tennis, Para taekwondo, Para triathlon, and wheelchair fencing.
Returning to the Paralympics are notable athletes such as Ibrahim Al Hussein, who has transitioned from para swimming to Para triathlon after facing significant adversity in his life. “It changed my life completely and opened doors and new horizons for me,” he remarks, reflecting on his experience at the Rio 2016 Games.
Zakia Khudadadi, representing Afghanistan, competes in Para taekwondo and has become a gold medal contender after recent victories. “It is a great honour because I am representing millions of refugees who have disabilities in these Games, and I will participate with immense pride,” stated Khudadadi, emphasizing her commitment to inspiring others.
Salman Abbariki, a former shot-put competitor who participated in the London 2012 Games, arrives with a wealth of experience and the belief that disability does not restrict potential. Meanwhile, Guillaume Junior Atangana, visually impaired but determined, aims to showcase his talents in Para athletics alongside his guide, Donard Ndim Nyamjua. “I hope to be at my best, to entertain the public and to show everyone what I am capable of on the track,” Atangana expressed.
Among the newcomers, Hadi Darvish, a powerlifter from Iran, carries aspirations fostered by watching the 2012 Games. Sayed Amir Hossein Hosseini Pour, a table tennis athlete with an upper body impairment, aims to inspire others through his journey. “Hopefully people will see, through me, that there are always opportunities no matter what you are going through,” he stated.
Amelio Castro Grueso, representing Italy in wheelchair fencing, is determined to win a medal after overcoming personal tragedy. Hadi Hassanzada, a Para taekwondo player born in Afghanistan, also aspires to inspire others, stating, “Life really becomes meaningful when you find a way to overcome challenges.” This dynamic assembly of athletes underscores the resilience and courage that defines the Refugee Paralympic Team’s mission.
The Refugee Paralympic Team is an initiative aimed at providing opportunities for athletes displaced by conflict and adversity to participate at the highest levels of competition. Their participation in the Paralympic Games is crucial not only for the athletes themselves but also for raising awareness about the experiences of refugees globally. The upcoming Paris 2024 edition represents a significant milestone, showcasing eight athletes from diverse backgrounds and their remarkable journeys in sports.
The Refugee Paralympic Team stands ready for Paris 2024, with a strong lineup of returning athletes and newcomers eager to make their mark. Their stories of determination and perseverance provide inspiration and promote the message that challenges can be overcome through resilience and sportsmanship. The commitment of these athletes to representing their communities and inspiring others adds depth to the significance of the Games.
Original Source: www.olympics.com
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