The Paralympic Games start today on August 28 in Paris. And just like at the Olympic Games, a team of refugees is represented here. It consists of eight athletes and two guide runners from six different countries. They will be competing in six disciplines in Paris: Para athletics, Para powerlifting, Para table tennis, Para taekwondo, Para triathlon, and wheelchair fencing.  

This means that the Refugee Paralympic Team has grown rapidly: there were just two members at its first appearance in Rio 2016. Now the team is competing for the third time at the Games. 

One of the participants is particularly proud: T11 Para athletics sprinter Guillaume Junior Atangana. He will be the Refugee Paralympic Team's flagbearer at Wednesday's Opening Ceremony. “I am very moved and happy. It gives me shivers,” Atangana said. “I can already picture it in my head. I see myself as a big champion, the one who made his dreams come true." Atangana thought his dreams of being a great sportsman were over when he lost his eyesight as a child. But he turned to Para athletics and sprinting and finished fourth in the 400m T11 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, just missing out on a medal. Atangana will be carrying the Paralympic flag alongside his running guide and fellow refugee, Donard Ndim Nyamjua.  

The first Refugee Paralympic Team member to compete on day one will be Para Taekwondo star Zakia Khudadadi, the European champion in 2023 in the 47kg division. Khudadadi is an advocate for the rights of women around the world and made headlines after a harrowing escape from her country just days before Tokyo 2020.  

It is estimated that, globally, at least 18 million people with disabilities have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to war, conflict, violence, and human rights violations. Many face higher risks of violence, discrimination, exploitation and abuse, and barriers in accessing critical support, assistance, education, sporting and livelihood opportunities. So despite being forced to flee their homes and facing huge obstacles, the Paralympic refugee team members persisted and kept their dreams alive, securing a place at the Games in Paris. 

“The Refugee Paralympic Team is an inspiration to us all. These incredible athletes have overcome unimaginable adversity to achieve the highest pinnacle of sporting success,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “Their presence on the global stage sends a message of hope to millions of refugees across the world, and indeed to all of us. This remarkable team reminds us of how important it is for people with disabilities to have the chance to fully participate in society on an equal basis.” 

We are keeping our fingers crossed for the whole team and wish them the best of luck! 

The Paralympic Games in Paris run from August 28 to September 8. You can keep up to date with the results here. 

And you can find out more about the members of the Paralympic refugee team here. 

We  also had the chance to talk to two members of the Olympic Refugee Team, Luna and Musa. Read about their journey here.