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As the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris approach, the Israeli delegation is poised to make a significant impact with 28 athletes competing across ten sports.
The Games, set to commence with the opening ceremony on Wednesday evening, will see 4,400 athletes from 168 nations vying for gold, silver, and bronze in 22 different sports.
The Israeli team will showcase their talents in swimming, rowing, boccia, tennis, badminton, taekwondo, shooting, goalball, handcycling, and canoeing. Their goal is to either match or surpass their performance at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics.
Moshe “Mutz” Matalon, chairman of the Israel Paralympic Committee, expressed pride in the diverse and talented nature of the delegation.
“We have put together an incredible delegation with wonderful athletes. It’s the most Israeli delegation we could have—a mix of native Israelis, new immigrants, Muslims, Druze, with a balanced representation of 50% women and 50% men,” Matalon said.
However, the Israeli Paralympic team has not been immune to the controversies and challenges that plagued their Olympic counterparts earlier this month.
The delegation has faced threats and calls for boycotts similar to those experienced by the Olympic athletes. Notably, a German company recently refused to supply equipment to Israel’s goalball team, citing the ongoing conflict as the reason behind their decision.
Despite these challenges, the Israeli athletes remain focused on their performance and are determined to showcase their abilities on the global stage.
The Paralympics, known for its strong ethos of inclusion and unity, provides a platform for athletes with disabilities to compete at the highest level, and the Israeli team is eager to contribute to this spirit.
The Paralympic Games will take place in the same arenas and with the same equipment as the recently concluded Olympics, adding a layer of continuity and excitement to the event.
The Israeli delegation’s preparation and resilience are testaments to their commitment and determination to excel.
As the Games get underway, all eyes will be on the Israeli athletes as they embark on their quest for medals, aiming to inspire and demonstrate the power of perseverance and athletic excellence.