The Paralympics Games have just started in Paris. 4,500 Athletes across 22 games have set goals to achieving immortally by compete for the ultimate sporting glory. The games are another chance for us to cheer on our individual nations and athletes. Fiji will also be competing and with our record at the games we smell something great head to the 679.
We will never forget our first taste of glory came way back in 2012 when Iliesa Delana competed in the F42 category High Jump. He claimed Fiji’s first gold with a jump of 1.74m. So, the Paralympics will forever have a place in all Fijian hearts.
This year will be backing our 19-year-old sensation Irene Mar who will representing our Noble banner blue, she will be competing in Taekwondo.
A look to the past
The Greek, ‘Para’ means ‘Next to”, So they’re meant to be parallel. Which means the Games has run alongside the Olympics since 1960. The symbol of the Paralympics is made of 3 waves called Agitos, which means “I Move ” in Latin.
Something Interesting
The games are very inclusive because everyone gets medals. Since the London 2012 games, Athletes guide and pilots have also been awarded medals, however the athlete must cross the finish line before the guide.
However not all sports in the games have the same rules, in Para Swimming no prosthesis is allowed. Wheelchair Basketball on the other hand has the hoop stand 3.05 meter above the ground just like in the Olympics. The most interesting fact is that the ball in blind football and goalball have bells so that athletes can locate them.
The games will be held from 28th August to 8th September.
(Source: Olympics)
