His view is shared by Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, who described the team as “one of the big stories of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Each of these athletes has overcome tremendous adversity to get here and has a compelling message to share with the world.”
The eight athletes and two runners represent more than 120 million people forcibly displaced worldwide. They are the largest Paralympic refugee team ever. The team made its debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games with just two athletes.
The eight refugees will be hosted in six countries and will compete in six sports: Para athletics, Para powerlifting, Para table tennis, Para taekwondo, Para triathlon and wheelchair fencing.
Selection of the team’s flag bearer
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced on Sunday that T11 Para-athletics sprinter Guillaume Junior Atangana will be the flag bearer for the Paralympic refugee team at the opening ceremony on Wednesday.
When he a young boy growing up In West Africa, Mr. Atangana’s only ambition was to become the best footballer in the world. But at the age of eight, his eyesight began to deteriorate and by the age of twelve, he had lost his sight completely.
By focusing on Para athletics and sprinting, he was able to restore his confidence and his love for sport. He came fourth in the 400m T11 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, narrowly missing out on a medal.
Speaking about his selection as flag bearer, Mr Atangana said: “I am very moved and happy. It gives me chills. I can already imagine it. I see myself as a great champion, the one who made his dreams come true.”
Hope in the Midst of Adversity
It is estimated that at least 18 million people with disabilities worldwide have been forcibly displaced from their homes as a result of war, conflict, violence and human rights violations.
Many are at greater risk of violence, discrimination, exploitation and abuse, and face barriers to accessing essential support, assistance, education, sports and livelihood opportunities.
Amid this adversity, the 2024 Paralympic Refugee Team represents a vital “message of hope for millions of refugees around the world, and indeed for all of us,” Grandi said.
‘This remarkable team reminds us how important it is that people with disabilities are given the opportunity to participate fully “We must live in society on an equal footing,” he added.
