Welcome to the world of Paralympic sports where dreams know no boundaries! The International Paralympic Committee has recently revealed the lineup for the Refugee Team set to compete in the upcoming Paris Paralympics. This exceptional team comprises eight talented athletes and one guide runner from various countries, all united by their remarkable resilience and dedication to their sport.
Leading this inspiring group is Nyasha Mharakurwa, an esteemed representative of Zimbabwe who previously showcased his skills in wheelchair tennis at the 2012 London Paralympic Games. As head of the mission, Nyasha will guide the team towards success during the Paris Paralympics scheduled to take place from 28 August to 8 September.
The Refugee Paralympic Team symbolizes the spirit of over 100 million displaced individuals and individuals with disabilities worldwide. Originating from countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Colombia, and Cameroon, these remarkable athletes found refuge in nations including Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Greece, and Italy. Together, they will compete across six diverse Paralympic sports: athletics, weight-lifting, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, and fencing.
Let’s meet some of the extraordinary athletes who will be showcasing their skills at the Paris Paralympics:
– Salman Abbariki from Iran, residing in Germany, excelled in shot put and set a milestone by breaking the Asian record in the 2010 Asian Paralympic Games.
– Ibrahim Al Hussein from Syria, now residing in Greece, will participate in para triathlon after showcasing his talents in para swimming in his previous Paralympic appearances.
– Guillaume Junior Atangana from Cameroon, residing in the UK, will sprint in the 100m and 400m T11 events, following his impressive performance in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
– Hadi Darvish from Iran, based in Germany, will demonstrate his strength in para powerlifting.
– Amelio Castro Grueso from Cameroon, residing in Italy, will shine in wheelchair fencing.
– Hadi Hassanzada from Afghanistan, currently living in Austria, will display his skills in para taekwondo.
– Zakia Khudadadi from Afghanistan, now residing in France, will also compete in para taekwondo.
– Sayed Amir Hossein Hosseini Pour from Iran, living in Germany, will showcase his prowess in table tennis.
The motivation behind the Paralympic Refugee Team was emphasized by Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. He praised the determination and inspiration shown by the team, highlighting their immense potential when given the opportunity to excel.
Moreover, Pope Francis emphasized inclusivity in sports in his preface to the book entitled “Games of Peace. The Soul of the Olympics and the Paralympics.” He commended athletes with disabilities for their remarkable performances, stating that the Paralympic Movement not only celebrates incredible events but also showcases the potential of individuals despite facing adversities.
The Paralympic Games have a rich history dating back to the 1948 London Olympic Games, where Dr. Ludwig Guttman organized the first competition for wheelchair athletes. This historic event at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, laid the foundation for the Paralympic Movement and continues to inspire athletes worldwide.
