TEAM Pacific will send a delegation of seven women and six men to the 2024 Paralympics, marking the highest number of athletes from the Pacific region to compete. These 13 athletes will represent six countries in events such as tae kwon do and athletics.
The Paralympics, taking place in Paris, will feature 4,400 athletes from 160 nations. Each sport in the Paralympics utilizes a classification system to ensure fair competition, with athletes categorized based on how their impairments affect their athletic performance.
The Oceania Paralympic Committee announced that Team Pacific is eager to demonstrate their skills, with the event commencing today. Committee president Paul Bird expressed pride and excitement about the athletes’ participation, encouraging support from communities across the Pacific and beyond.
The represented nations include Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Kiribati. These athletes are currently in Paris, looking forward to competing against the world’s best para athletes. Bird highlighted the athletes’ remarkable journeys, stating, “From the islands of Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati, these athletes are making waves and breaking boundaries.”
He emphasized that the athletes not only represent their individual nations but also embody the aspirations of the Oceania region. As they participate in events like para athletics and para taekwondo, they aim to inspire future generations to overcome challenges and pursue their goals. Supporters are encouraged to follow the athletes’ stories as they compete on this major international platform.
Ken Kahu, a javelin Paralympian, will serve as Vanuatu’s flagbearer during the opening ceremony, a selection made by the Vanuatu Paralympic Committee. Kahu, who works under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme in Australia, is set to lead his teammates with pride.
Vanuatu Paralympic chef de mission Margaret McFarlane noted the athletes are committed to giving their best performances. Meanwhile, Meleane Vasitai Leaaepeni Falemaka, known as “Vasi,” will represent Tonga in the women’s F37 discus throw. Vasi’s journey to the Games showcases her determination and resilience, having qualified during the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Marrakech, Morocco, with a personal best throw of 16.68 meters.
The Paralympic Games will conclude on September 8.