Team Armenia Ready to Compete at 2024 Paris Paralympic Games

The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games have officially begun in the heart of the French capital. The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 28, at the iconic Place de la Concorde, setting the stage for 11 days of intense competition among the world’s best Paralympians. This event is unique as, for the first time in Paralympic history, the opening ceremony was held away from the main stadium, following the example set by the Paris Olympics just weeks earlier.

The choice of Place de la Concorde, a historic square known for hosting urban sports like skateboarding during the Olympics, as the venue for the opening ceremony, symbolizes a new era for the Paralympic movement. This central location not only shows the importance of inclusion but also allows the public to engage more closely with the Games.

When the sporting events begin on Thursday, a new generation of Paralympians will compete alongside seasoned veterans in some of the same venues that hosted Olympic events. A total of 18 out of 35 Olympic venues will be reused for the Paralympics, including the Grand Palais, renowned for its stunning architecture and exceptional hosting of fencing and taekwondo. The La Defense Arena will once again host swimming events, and track and field competitions will take place on the vibrant purple track of the Stade de France.

The Paralympic flame, which was lit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement, arrived in France via the Channel Tunnel. It then embarked on a tour of French cities, spreading the spirit of the Games and inspiring communities across the country. Organizers have made significant efforts to ensure accessibility, providing wheelchair users with access to Paris buses and arranging 1,000 specially adapted taxis.

This year’s Paralympics will see more than 4,000 athletes from around the world competing in 549 medal events. The Games will feature 22 sports, showcasing the incredible diversity and talent within the Paralympic community. These sports include both individual and team events, ranging from traditional athletics to newer disciplines like para-badminton and para-taekwondo.

Armenia will be proudly represented by three athletes at the Paris Paralympic Games: Greta Vardanyan, Smbat Karapetyan, and Sargis Stepanyan. Each of these athletes brings a unique story of perseverance and strength to the Games.

Greta Vardanyan is a seasoned powerlifter and Para-alpine skier. Born on February 20, 1986, she was injured in the devastating 1988 Armenian earthquake, resulting in the amputation of both her legs above the knee. Despite this tragedy, she has become a symbol of resilience, competing in four Paralympic Games and serving as Armenia’s flag bearer in three Summer Games. Vardanyan’s journey began in 2005, and she has since competed in numerous international competitions, including the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Paralympics. In Paris, she will compete in the women’s powerlifting event up to 61kg on September 6, hoping to add to her impressive list of achievements.

Sargis Stepanyan is another inspirational figure representing Armenia. Born on February 21, 1983, Stepanyan is a lieutenant colonel in the Armenian Armed Forces and a highly decorated athlete. He has overcome significant challenges, including upper limb impairments, to become a three-time world champion and a two-time European champion in arm wrestling. Stepanyan has also set records in weightlifting and is the founder of the Disabled Sports Federation of Armenia. In Paris, he will compete in the men’s shot put event (F55 category) on August 30, showcasing his incredible strength and determination.

Smbat Karapetyan is a versatile athlete who has competed in Para Nordic skiing and Para ice hockey. After being injured as a military personnel, Karapetyan found solace and purpose in sports. He credits sports with helping him regain a sense of normalcy and physical well-being. Karapetyan’s dedication led him to graduate from the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport in 2021. He will compete in the men’s 100m wheelchair racing event (T54 category) on September 4, representing Armenia with pride and determination.

As the Paris Paralympics continue, the world will witness extraordinary feats of athleticism and stories of incredible human spirit. These Games are not just about winning medals but also about celebrating the resilience, strength, and unity of the Paralympic community. With athletes like Greta Vardanyan, Sargis Stepanyan, and Smbat Karapetyan leading the way, the 2024 Paris Paralympics promise to be an unforgettable event, inspiring millions around the world.