Marking 50 days to go until the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Tuesday (9 July) announced the eight athletes and one guide runner who will compete as part of the largest-ever Refugee Paralympic Team.
Representing more than 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, the eight athletes are based in six countries and will compete across six sports: Para athletics, Para powerlifting, Para table tennis, Para taekwondo, Para triathlon, and wheelchair fencing.
Andrew Parsons, IPC president, said: “All Paralympians have stories of incredible resilience but the stories of these athletes and their journeys as refugees surviving war and persecution to compete at the Paralympic Games is off-the-charts awe inspiring.
“Unfortunately, the world has more than 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Many live in dire conditions. These athletes have persevered and shown incredible determination to get to Paris 2024 and give every refugee around the world hope. The Refugee Paralympic Team shines a spotlight on the transformational impact of sport.”
Filippo Grandi, the head of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, said: “For a third consecutive Paralympics, a team of determined, inspirational refugee athletes will show the world just what they can achieve if given the chance. Refugees thrive when given the opportunity to use, develop and showcase their skills and talents, in sport and in many other walks of life.
“We at UNHCR are hugely grateful to the IPC as a key player in our growing international partnership to bring sport to refugees. Sport is vital to their mental and physical well-being, as well as their inclusion and integration with the communities that host them.”
